Judge lifts lid on Palin's child custody battle with ex-fiance
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By Dan Feigler in Anchorage
Wednesday Dec 30 2009
A judge's ruling has lifted the lid on a heated legal custody battle between Sarah Palin's daughter and the father of her grandson.
Bristol Palin's request to keep the proceedings closed was denied last week by a superior court judge. A temporary order had allowed the use of pseudonyms while the court was considering the request, which stated that no good "could result to the child by an onslaught of media".
Levi Johnston, the father of one-year-old Tripp, has pushed for open court proceedings, saying he "just wants a simple case on the merits".
"I do not feel protected against Sarah Palin in a closed proceeding," Mr Johnston said in an affidavit. "I hope that if it is open she will stay out of it."
Bristol Palin's petition for sole custody and child support, filed in early November, also seeks a visitation schedule for Johnston. Bristol says her ex-fiance has exercised "sporadic visitation rights".
Relations between the Palins and Mr Johnston and his family have been strained since the couple broke off their engagement after their son was born in late December 2008.
Mr Johnston denies in court documents that he has avoided his responsibilities. He is seeking shared custody.
Bristol Palin is the eldest daughter of Sarah Palin, who resigned as Alaska governor in July.
- Dan Feigler in Anchorage
Irish Independent
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