Bristol Palin, 19-year-old daughter of former Alaska governor Sarah Palin, is seeking sole physical custody of her son Tripp, who was fathered by Levi Johnston. She has also requested that Johnston’s mother not be allowed unsupervised visits with her grandson Tripp, in light of a recent drug conviction.
Court documents were filed by Bristol Palin’s attorney Thomas V. Van Flein in Superior Court in early November. They petitioned for the use of pseudonyms and closed hearings to keep the proceedings out of the media spotlight.
Johnston and his lawyer pushed for and were granted open court proceedings. He said, “I feel more comfortable in a public courtroom which will help everyone stay civil and be on their best behavior.”
Bristol took legal steps after Johnston hit the media circuit in early November to promote his Playgirl magazine nude photo shoot and engaged in a good deal of Palin family bashing in the process.
View more photos below. More family photos here.