Anyone who's seen Bristol Palin's new reality show "Life's a Tripp" knows that Bristol isn't the most perfect parent when it comes to raising her son Tripp. Each week, viewers can watch the 3-year-old yell, curse, throw out what was reported to be a gay slur, and generally run wild.
Levi Johnston, the boy's father, apparently has had enough of Palin's hands-off approach to parenting. This week he picked up the necessary paperwork to obtain full custody of Tripp, TMZ reports.
Johnston was reportedly inspired to push for full custody after watching his son's antics on “Life's a Tripp.” He reportedly said that he was “disgusted” by he's son's behavior on the show and fears that Tripp is on a “downward spiral.” Now, he's hoping to wrestle custody from the motherly hands of Bristol. Who said no good ever came of reality television?
Obtaining full custody from Bristol won't be as easy as you'd think. Generally, courts will only remove a child from a custodial parent if it can be shown the parent is somehow "unfit." For example, a parent who is an alcoholic or who abuses the child will likely be deemed unfit.
The number one consideration when determining custody arrangements is the best interests of the child. Courts often look at the parent’s home environment, any history of abuse, and the mental and physical health of the parents when determining who should be granted custody. Merely being an ineffectual parent probably isn't enough to make a court strip Bristol of custody.
However, if Levi Johnston is granted full custody of Tripp, he’d have sole physical and legal custody of the boy. Legal custody means that Johnston will be able to make important decisions about the boy's future, including his education, medical treatment, and religious instruction. If Johnston is granted sole physical custody, Tripp will live with Johnston year round, except during visitation periods with Bristol Palin.
Will it happen? Unlikely, but stay tuned anyway.
Related Resources:
- Call an Atlanta Family Law Attorney (FindLaw)
- Bristol Palin's 'Life's a Tripp' Reportedly Prompts Levi Johnston to Consider Full Custody of Son (ABC News)
- Custody Overview (FindLaw)
- Levi Johnston Wants Custody of Son After Bristol Palin TV Show (FindLaw's Celebrity Justice)
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