Child Custody Rights (from child's perspective)?

Question

I live in Pennsylvania and my parents are probably going to be divorcing soon. I'm wondering what are my rights concerning custody.

I am currently 14 years old (15 in July). I am wondering if I am of legal age to be able to choose which parent I have primary-full custody.

My mother moved out on my father and our family, and she currently lives in an aapartment. My best wish is that I still be able to attend my school, which will be possible if I stay with my father. I also dread spending any time with my mother, because I have so much anger built up on the fact that she left us. I have a feeling she will fight for me to live with her, but I honestly want nothing to do with her.

Please help, thanks!

Answer 1

You sound very mature for your age and you make very clear and valid points. You will have a voice and will have a say in where you want to live but understand things may not go your way. My suggestion to you would be to make a list of reasons where you want to live and why. Be specific and try to narrow your list to important topics-- saying you don't want to be with your mom because she left is a valid topic, yet not one you should bring up in front of the judge or mediator. Focus on friends, school, etc. Also, don't write your mother out of your life. Sometimes grown ups make mistakes too, I understand you are hurt right now, but we all make mistakes in life that are very hard to take back. Good luck to you!

Answer 2

At your age, you will likely have the right to choose to live with your father. Be sure to tell the judge that is your choice.

That being said, I want to caution you. Both of your parents love you. If your mother left, she may have very good reasons...reasons you know nothing about. Good parents do not bad mouth their child's other parent. So, if she has said nothing, you do not know what your father did to her to make her feel she had to leave. He could have cheated on her, committed verbal, mental or physical abuse, etc. You just do not know. And he will not tell you, that's for sure. If he is bad-mouthing her, then I'd suspect HE was the bad guy. If he is not bad-mouthing her, but sad, then maybe there are other problems...depression, etc. Don't be angry with either of your parents. You need to be sorry for them. Their marriage has failed and someday you will learn why when you are older. In the meantime, try to give them each some of your time. If you live with your father, be sure to visit your mother. She needs you. She must be very sad out there on her own now. Ask your father if you can see a family counselor. You need help to get over your anger. Mothers love their children. Believe that and try to give your mother some time with you.

Answer 3

According to the following you will need to speak up clearly about what you would like to do.

The courts in PA look at best interest and who is the primary caregiver. It says here that the primary caregiver is typically the mother; however, it is the court's decision where you will spend your time.

Get good grades, stay focused in school, perhaps get involved there and when the time comes, you can present your case before the court.

And you should talk to your mother about your feelings. Perhaps she might feel better if you agreed to see each other regularly.

Best of luck, hon.

Answer 4

The judge will base his decision based on what is best for you. Since you are old enough to say how you feel, the judge will make his decision taking your feelings into consideration, don't be afraid to speak up.

Answer 5

I am no lawyer so I don't know what the laws are. I do know that judges do consider the wishes of the child when making decisions. Make sure the judge knows how you feel.

Answer 6

I say bypass take a bypass to to the evaluators place of work, fireplace the criminal expert get a clean greater advantageous criminal expert possibly somebody who listens. Then if the abuse is that undesirable attempt to get an emergency listening to for the superb welfare of the youngster. confirm you get particular evidence. I advise I comprehend you do no longer wanna become in touch yet possibly you need to push your husband to get greater in touch bypass to the court docket domicile get issues all started. And while you're caught with the criminal expert possibly supply some greater kicks to get @ss in kit. wish that helps.

Answer 7

Yes, you are of the legal age to choose which parent you want to live with.

Answer 8

If you go to court with them, tell them you would rather live with your dad, since you are old enough to make your own decisions. But remember to forgive your mom. She makes mistakes just like anyone else.

Answer 9

my parents spit when i was 11. i lived with my mom until i was 14. then i decied that i wanted to live with my dad. so all we had to do was go down to the court house and sign some paper work. in your case, i was told that you might have to go talk with the judge one on one in his chamber about why you want to live with your dad and why you think its in your best intrest. but if you really want to and can come up with good strong reasons why, i think you can do it.