What are the dad's rights?

Question

To give a brief overview: Mom is in TX with physical custody, Dad is in PA w/ partial physical custody. Mature 12 year old daughter wants to move back to PA (where most of the relatives on both sides of the family live) to live with her dad. Mom says no - refuses to even speak to Dad about it - says she made her decision and it's over and done. What are Dad's / daughter's rights? Daughter loves her family in TX, just wants the chance to be with her dad.

Answer 1

He has the right to petition for custody.

Answer 2

From Ger:
The Dad has a right legally from being the genetically bearer through you of your daughter. He has a right to see her, be near her, has custodial rights and the simplest way out of this is to discuss sanely with your boyfriend, her Dad, what is best for your child. How will she grow up feeling secure knowing that there is a relationship of trust between her parents who are not still feeling angry at each other and taking it out on a twelve year old. Life is so terribly short you cannot do an injustice to your own daughter by not being understanding in listening to her because that is all she is asking for. Every thing she asks for you just say yes because the next minute there is a new occurence that will occur in school and you are not the centre of attention. Just support her and be optimistic and in doing this you are giving her the superlative support any parent can give.

Ger

Answer 3

well.. the father has partial custody so he has the right to move her out there if he wants to. the only way to stop the dad and daughter from being together is for the mother to take him to court. right now the mother and father have the same amount of custody so either parent has the right to their child. check the family laws where you live.