Amber B

My ex and I have been divorced for almost 6 years. We have 2 children together. I remarried after our divorce and our 2 children have been raised entirely by my husband and I. My ex has very little involvement. He moved to Washington state a few years ago and rarely ever calls. He only visits because my brother(who has good intentions, but puts his nose where it doesn't belong) guilt trips him into it. At that, he visits them twice a year. When he does they come back sick from him feeding them junk food, they are angry and lethargic, mouthy and rebellious. It takes a few weeks to get them back in the swing of things at home with their other brothers and sister. They inform me that their (bio)dad has told them they don't have to listen to us or obey us.

We have never been to court over this. When we divorced he could care less about the boys. But now that he's getting remarried and his fiancee thinks "my boys are cute" there has been talk from his end to try to get joint custody. He wants the boys to live half the year with him and half with me. I told him this will not work and my family will fight him. My children are home schooled and are beyond their grade level in everything. they are highly socialized and have a great deal of friends in all their sports and clubs. They have a good size family here and are dearly loved. This is the only life they've ever known. Do you think I would lose them or have to split custody with my ex, or would a judge see that it is the best interest of the children to have them remain in the life they've known since they were babies. They are now 7 & 8. Advise please