Ohio law re. custody of child born out of wedlock

[Living Lightly]

Recently, I separated from my partner, the father of our 16 month-old son. He has proven himself to be emotionally unstable time and time again and is not the healthiest of influences on me or our little one, much less my son from a previous marriage ( I have felt threatened enough to change the locks! ). My ex is listed on our sons' birth certificate as his father, but we currently have no court ordered child support or custody arrangement in place. I have attempted to contact legal aid so that I may handle this situation, but have gotten no help and a huge run-around / delay. I just got offered a better paying position and a better way of life for all of us in Texas, but am afraid of what reprecussion there could be from my ex if I leave the state of Ohio without custody of our son. Could I be charged with anything if I leave to better myself and our circumstances, or should I go and try to handle it from Texas?