My divorce was done in California and I had custody of my daughter at that time then joined the army and I was sent to iraq my ex was just supossed to be keeping her until I returned but went behind my back and got custody of her and I knew nothing of it until I returned that was in 2005 she is now 15 and visiting me in Texas for the summer I am no longer in the army she wants to come live with me again. She wanted to come back with me before but her dad would not let her and he even head butted her to make her change her mind he is now not sure if he wants to keep her or not because she is really wanting to live with me what do I need to do my income is very low to get an attorney

I don't understand the "her Dad" part. Was she adopted by someone? When you found out that your "ex" went behind your back, that you were not notified of the Court proceeding, did you take aciton to set it aside?

At 15 your daughter can let the Court know that she wants to live with you but that will be a very small factor in the ultimate custody situation.

Yes, you would need to go to Court and ask for custody. If she is being mistreated, of course, that will be part of why you are requesting the change.

And, yes, you will need an Attorney.