teenage children

[pcmom]

my 15 y-o daughter has lived with her father for 13 years. we live 6 hours apart. she now wants to live with me. we have talked about this for almost a year. she just tonight asked me to please go to court for her, because her father won't agree to it without a court hearing. she's depressed, angry, failing at school, and getting in trouble with the law. her father refuses to talk about it. have you ever seen a court change primary residence after 13 years when the child wants it so bad? any advice is appreciated.

[Attorney Howard Iken]

It is an uphill battle, but it does happen. You need strong facts. It sounds like you have a good start.

Attorney Howard Iken

[Attorney Cheri Hobbs]

Depending on what county you are in (or State) you may be able to also Motion the court to allow your minor to testify. That would enable your child to tell the court why she wants to relocate. Most jurisdictions will allow a minor to testify so long as they are at least 14 years old. Good luck to both of you!

Attorney Cheri Hobbs

[custody101]

Why is it some states have an age where a minor child can choose which parent they want to live with? From what I'm gathering Florida does not allow the children to have a say. How is it that the court knows better then the children where they should continue to live? I have a 15 y/o daughter and a 10 y/o son, they are both constantly asking to come live with me on a fulltime basis. My son just the other night called me crying cause his mother stabbed him with a fork. They are yelled at all the time, she hits them and constantly blames them for anything she does wrong. My children are being physically, emotionally and mentally abused!! But, I don't know what to do, my ex-wife is always taking me to court, I've always won, but it costs me thousands of dollars. I can't afford to hire another attorney, spends thousands of dollars and nothing changes....any suggestions????

[Attorney Howard Iken]

Stabbing them with a fork? She also hits them?

You should call the child abuse hotline 1-800-96-abuse This service is free.


Attorney Howard Iken
The Divorce Center
7623 Little Road Suite 200B
New Port Richey, FL 34654
727-844-7676


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