Teen Mom's Jenelle Evans Says Relationship With Jace Is "Closer Than Ever" After Custody Battle

Jenelle Evans feels like her family is complete.

Less than two weeks after regaining custody of her 13-year-old son Jace, who she shares with ex Andrew Lewis, the former Teen Mom 2 star is sharing a glimpse into the changing dynamics within her family.

"My relationship with Jace is closer than ever and doing much better," Jenelle exclusively told E! News in a statement. "I feel like being with his family makes him much happier. Our family wasn't complete without him."

According to Jenelle—who also shares Kaiser, 8, with ex Nathan Griffith and Ensley, 6, with husband David Eason—her bond with mom Barbara Evans has also taken steps forward.

"My relationship with my mother has got a little better, but truthfully she is still a little controlling," she said. "I think it's going to take time for her to get use to this change."

For more than a decade, Barbara was in charge of Jace's care. But for the last two years, Jenelle took steps to regain custody of her eldest child. Ultimately, the pair reached an agreement outside of court.

"I fought for a while and was waiting for my day in court to talk, but I'm glad we can compromise instead of throwing each other's names under the bus through court trials," Jenelle said. "Court trials are very scary and I don't suggest it. Definitely try co-parenting and mediation before fighting in court."

As for what led to such a milestone decision? Jenelle believes her son "needed a change."

"We also didn't like the crowds he was hanging out with, so now he's in the country," she continued. "He loves riding his dirt bike and working on it recently. He wants to sign up for dirt bike races in the future."

These days, Jace is also able to spend more time with his siblings and has quickly become video game buddies with his younger brother Kaiser.

As for Jace's relationship with step-dad David Eason, Jenelle says their relationship has already grown in just a few short weeks.

"David teaches him how to hunt, fish, fix dirt bikes or giving Jace dating advice," she said. "Jace needed a father figure and I can tell how happy Jace is having one around."

Peacock is live now! Check out NBCU's streaming service here.