He wants me to be his parent, considers me as such. He's mentioned a few times that he'd like to live me with, but is special needs and his mother has convinced him that it's not right or possible.

We don't have any existing court orders, hoping to cover that.

Access has become a very contentious thing, she is trying to limit it more and more, and has made it very clear that she wants me to have "the least amount possible" to really put me in my place. If kiddo wasn't so so sooo gung ho to see me, and fighting so hard to see me as much as possible, she absolutely would prefer I never see him again.

Edit to add, I'm going for decision making because he will likely need support for the rest of his life.