Do I Have a Chance for Placement?

My question involves a child custody case from the State of: RI

Currently my 8yr old son spends 40% of the time with me. We were never married but there is a consent order of agreement that I fought for to gain Joint Custody but she has placement. His home life at his mother's house, in a word is POOR! She has no control over his behavior, homework, hygiene, is seeking to have him diagnosed with A.D.D./medicated and he is falling behind in school. At my residence his is a happy, active, fun loving boy. He does all his chores, homework, reading assignments, good hygiene and is very well behaved. Also, when I say poor I am referring to the fact that his mother's annual income including my child support is approx. $21K; whereas my wife and I make approximately $100K a year.

Do you think I have a legitimate shot of taking placement of my son to whereas she will only get Alt. weekends and maybe overnights during the summer when school is out? I am looking to provide the best "Home" for my son and better his schooling. I'm looking to find what are my chances of winning before I hire a lawyer? I fully understand that it is going to be costly and am willing to spend the money if it benefits my son.

Thank you for you advice in advance, it is greatly appreciated.

Quote:

---

Do you think I have a legitimate shot of taking placement of my son

---

Why wouldn't you?

What we think doesn't make a whit of difference. The only way to know what the courts will have to say about you obtaining physical custody is to go file for it.

It's easier with an attorney, but you can also request the relevant forms from the Clerk of Courts and do it yourself. (I recommend the attorney option.)

Well I talked to a lawyer today and they say it's gonna be about $8,000 for me to fight for custody. They think I should be able to get it but there are no gaurantees. I find it hard to make a decision on a maybe. Thanks for the feedback. I agree legal attorney is probably what I'm going to do.