A heated custody battle has developed between Levi Johnston and Bristol Palin over their one year old son Tripp, court documents revealed.

According to the documents that were made public, Palin filed a legal petition on November 3 seeking sole custody of her son and child support payments from Johnston.

Johnston, 19, had pushed for open court proceedings and is demanding joint custody of the couple's son.

I feel more comfortable in a public courtroom which will help everyone stay civil and be on their best behavior, Johnston said in a statement.

Bristol and Johnston were engaged after she fell pregnant; the engagement was however broken off after the birth of their son in December 2008.

Sarah Palin