Odd situation - support and custody

[Helpplease]

I was divorced in florida with a divorce decree awarding split custody, my ex-husband didn't even show up! This was in 2004 and my ex-husband has not been able to take his daughter so I have had full physical custody of her ever since. I decided to move out-of-state with his permission after graduating from college for a full-time job offer and of course I took my daughter. We signed a paper agreeing on this about 2006. I have had full custody since this time. I also had a large majority of custody during the whole time I lived in Florida because he was unable to take her on his turns. He has only had her once for 1.5 week in the summer throughout the years.

He was providing child insurance (sometimes.) Now he tells me he is going to quit his job and live off retirement and her insurance will expire at the end of the month.

I really need his financial support..I have needed it. I have been ignorant enough to give him the benefit of the doubt that he will take her as agreed or help me with financial aspects, but he has not. I just want to keep my daughter safe, stable ane well taken care of with me.

I filed child support here in TX, but he lives in Florida. Because of my situation. I don't know if I need to go back to florida also for child support and custody issues?

Any advice would help thanks,

helpplease

[Attorney Cheri Hobbs]

If you want to transfer the venue of the child related issues to Texas (or another state) then you should file a Motion to Transfer Venue. That way the courts in Texas can determine any modification of time sharing or support issues. Until that happens the court with original jurisdiction (where the divorce was finalized) is the court for you to file a Motion for Contempt/Enforcement as to support issues, etc.

Attorney Cheri Hobbs