Palins in custody fight

ANCHORAGE - 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 to 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 that 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. Palin announced her daughter's pregnancy days after being named the running mate of GOP presidential candidate John McCain.