Judge denies petition from Sarah Palin’s daughter seeking to close custody battle to public

Sarah Palin’s daughter seeks full custody of baby

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — An Alaska judge’s ruling has revealed a heated legal custody battle between Sarah Palin’s daughter and the father of Palin’s grandson.

A November request by 18-year-old Bristol Palin keep the proceedings closed was denied Christmas Eve. Her Nov. 3 petition for sole custody and child support also seeks a visitation schedule for Levi Johnston, the father of 1-year-old Tripp.

Bristol says her ex-fiance has exercised “sporadic visitation rights.”

The 19-year-old Johnston denies in court documents that he has avoided his responsibilities. He is seeking shared custody.

Bristol is the eldest daughter of Sarah Palin, who resigned as Alaska governor in July. She announced her daughter’s pregnancy days after being named the running mate of Republican presidential candidate John McCain.