My question involves a child custody case from the State of: Ohio (where we live)...dad's in Arkansas.
My 7 y/o daughter and I have lived alone in Ohio (where she was born and my family lives) for the last 2 years. Child support took almost a year to come through but otherwise there has been no court involvement. When her dad wants us he just calls and although it was at first difficult... he didn't want to pay child support, was unreachable, etc., now he's settled, married and working.
In January this year he finally made it to visit his daughter. Now he wants her for 3 to 4 weeks this month. I have no problem with that, but I am worried that b/c we have no formal custody arrangement he could try to keep her.
Is it possible for him to keep her after I let him come to take her to AR for 3 weeks?
Am I putting myself at risk by NOT having the OH court arrange visitation?
I really need to know if I should put off his taking her with him to his home state of AR until after I see an lawyer and how much of my circumstance is controllable. I know that I don't have to let her go at present, but am I at risk of losing her if I do allow it?
Please help... any advise would be greatly appreciated. It is short notice and I'm over my head with the research. Thanks!

