24.
My ex and I separated informally (without paperwork) quite some time ago. How will custody be decided after all this time?
If a substantial amount of time has passed with no legal separation or custody order in
effect, it's likely that the prevailing arrangement(s) (whatever they may be) will be used
by the court as the basis for determining custody. The court will usually preserve the
status quo, unless sufficient reason exists to change it. In essence, whatever you've
been doing in terms of 'custody' will probably continue.
