Deadbeat dad has custody

[mom without custody]

Hi, my situation is opposite of most. I am the mother and was originally given primary custody 10 years ago at time of divorce. For years my ex did not maintain a job or pay consistant child support. After 4 years of this and only making $14 an hour myself I was close to losing everything and didn't know what to do. Dept of Revenue was no help at all. I ended up turning my 2 children over to their dad to live as he was living at home w/ parents and had the means to take care of them so I could get on my feet. After a year when my finances were back in order I asked for my children to return to living with me. (I had constant contact with them over the year they were w him). He and his parents fought me on returning the children and we had to go back to court. He was awarded full custody at this time. This was 4 years ago.
Sinse this time, I have a good career making over $50,000 a year and I am court ordered to pay $200 a week in Child support plus cover the medical/dental insurance 100% for both children which costs me apprx $120 per week.
My ex still continues to live with his parents along with my children. My 14 year old son and 16 yer old daughter are forced to share a bedroom. My ex hasn't worked in over 2 years!!!
So, I have 22 questions:
1. I have beeen told I have no chance of regaining custody of my children no matter what their current living situation is, that it would be a complete waste of time and money. Is this true?
2. Between child support and insurance I am currently paying over $300 a week. Is this reasonable or should this be lowered somehow?

I have visitation rights for every other weekend and holidays. Summers aren't made very clear in our divorce papers. The problem is I live in Orlando and they are in Sarasota which is a 2 hour distance. Paying out the current amounts that I do and also keeping a roof ober my own head makes it difficult for me to have the money to see them as often as I wish I could. Any help or suggestions you could give me would be greatly appreciated!!! I cannot afford a lawyer right now.
I really feel I got beaten up here......

[Attorney Howard Iken]

I do not believe you satisfy the criteria to file for modification. My quick two cents.

On support: the amount sounds about right but you might want to plug the numbers into our child support Calculator. Go to our front page and click on the link for support calculator.

Attorney Howard Iken