My ex wants to keep our daughter next school year but I have full...

[Cocoa]

...custody. Does he have any legal rights? My ex and I have a good relationship. He remarried and so did I. He lives about 6 hours away from where we live. He gets our 12 yr old daughter for 1 month during the summer and for the Christmas and New year holiday. I have always let her see him. We had a bad divorce so I got full custody of her but that was about 9 yrs ago. He asked me if he could keep her 6 months out of the year. I see it as a problem because I am her legal gaurdian in which I am the one who enrolls her in school and gets her medical insurance through our state's medicaid. I dont think its a good idea since he pays child support. I dont want it to interfere with her schooling nor have her come back with an attitude. He has a 14 yr old step daughter who is always in trouble and thats what I dont want my daughter to come back like. What should I do? Let him have his way or not.

[Momto2inFL]

Well the main issue here is that NO child should be stuck in the middle of two schools. School and learning is hard enough as it is when they’re at that influential age, so really the answer should be NO. However, I also don’t think that a summer of spending time with his child is really enough either, but that’s what you’re working with being her school schedule is tough. Is there ANY way for you guys to compromise with this? Like any vacations that you currently have your daughter for that he would be able to take her? Even if it’s an additional week?

Education and school are both very important. But also keeping a strong relationship with both parents, in this case her Dad, is also very important. So try to figure out a compromise if you so choose, but of course, you’re not obligated to.

I always commend people who can co-parent successfully. Because it’s not easy. But if you both keep in mind that your daughter needs both parents and of course, her happiness is what matters most, then co-parenting can be a success. And also, the reason I say that summer isn’t enough visiting time, is because I’m a stepmom and have a 4 yr old stepdaughter. We wish all the time we could have more time with her. And right now we’re lucky enough to spend enough time with her because she’s only in daycare so missing “school” isn’t the issue. But when she’s school age, it’ll be VERY hard to spend less time with her. It’s not about causing problems with the current schedule, it’s about spending as much time with that little girl as we can. Court ordered or not. It’s about her.

So again, I commend you both.

[Sharon O]

I say no he cannot take her.. you have full custody.. he has visitation rights. only... tell him everything stays the same as it is now.. that you just think thats whats best for your daughter.. the step daughter will be a bad influence for your daughter .. plus the insurance you will loose it.. so I would keep her with you..

[rebelgurl06]

If I were you, I would not let him have her as he wishes because it would mess up your daughter's stable life now. If he hassles you on this show your divorce papers or talk with your lawyer on the matter. Good luck.

[2Westies]

Honestly I don't think I'd want my daughter hanging around with a 14 year old with an attitude. Not a good idea.