[jcalseogng]

Oh and thanks to everyone for your advice you've all been really awesome. Scott, thanks for your patients with me while I'm dealing with a stressful situation. You have been a big help and I appreciate it and your understanding.

[jcalseogng]

Not really. Apparently the mother was the de facto custodian of the child, so you were ordered to pay her child support.

Bummer. Not ready to give up hope just yet. Wish me luck.

[ScottGem]

Child support is paid to the. Custodial parent. So the fact that she was awarded support makes her the custodial parent.

Check with local law schools. Some have clinics that will help you prepare strategy and paperwork.

[AK lawyer]

Child support is paid to the. Custodial parent. So the fact that she was awarded support makes her the custodial parent.
...

In the sense that CS is due to her. The support award doesn't however, in of itself, award her custody, unless it says so.