Yes, custodial issues and child support obligations are two completely different issues and one has no bearing on any decision that may be made concerning the other.
No, if the mother voluntarily gives cutody to someone else, she can no longer be paid child support because she no longer has custody of the child. What happens now is the father can obtain custody because he does have rights or the person who has custody and have legal guardianship can file for assistance in which child support can be included or filed.
No, both parents have equal rights to the child. If the child is currently living with the father, then he has established temporary custody. A court will need to decide upon a formal custody and child support agreement.
Yes, if the father is not given custody he will be obligated to keep paying support to whomever the court awards custody or guardianship of the children.
yes
My answer to that would be 'No'. The father is responsible for providing child-support regardless of who has custody of the child; at least until the age of 18.
Only if approved by the judge.
Filing for child support has no bearing on the issue of custody. Custody is decided on the basis of the welfare of the child. To get custody of a child, the father would have to demonstrate that he would do a better job as parent. I will add that even if you do need financial assistance, that does not in any way suggest that you are not a good mother. Those are separate issues.
How does he have any visitation rights with a custody and child support order?
You may have to pay child support to the one who has custody of your children.
It's all up to the courts to decide. A mother can request full sole legal custody of the child even if the father has visitation rights and pays child support. The mother does need to prove to the courts why full sole legal custody is in the child's best interest.
If you're the father
yes