I am a divorced father of two (12 & 7). My ex-wife has custody of them. I see them 1 week during Christmas, 1 week during Spring Break, and 2 months during the summer. When they come down to visit they tell me that their mother doesn't let them play with other children, doesn't make them keep up with their daily hygiene such as bathing and brushing their teeth. The youngest is now going through dental surgery because his teeth are rotting out. The mother took him to 5 dentists and none of them wanted to touch his mouth because of the extent of the decay.
The eldest is getting in trouble in school and getting into fights and doesn't even know that you should not wear socks 2 days in a row. No able minded adult can tell me that my children have a successful future where they are now. I owe back child support so I feel as though I cannot take her to court for custody. Do I have any right to take her to court or must I catch up on child support before something can be done for my sons. What rights do I have as a father. Help me before it is too late to help my children.

I know you have been told how important it is to pay your support so I won't go there other than to say you do need to pay your support but I'm not sure that it plays as big of a roll that you believe.

The visitation you listed indicates that you are in a different state than the children. What states are involved? Generally custody and support are handled separately. If something is happening and you can't get to court right away you always have the option of the states CPS (personally I wouldn't call them unless you have proof of things that are detrimental to the children right now otherwise try to get to court, the sooner the better. Your ex can always say that you saw the kids 5, 6, 7mts ago and are just now doing something? I don't know that it would hold wait but it can be brought up.

Also have you approached the mom? Would she let them stay with you for a while? Maybe one school year to try it out. There may not be a need to go to court if you can work it out with her.