Custody: Is there a way to help my father gain custody of my (under 18 yr old) brothers and I (also under 18)?

Question

I helped my father leave the house and move to our old house about 6 blocks away (with some of his own possessions). This was done because he could not stand my mother anymore. i helped him because we had planned this so that later on my (under 18 yrs old) brothers and i (also under 18) could move down to our old house with him. My questions are: Because my father has left the household, is there a law that with make it difficult for (or prevent) him to gain custody? We want to move because we cannot stand my mothers character, she is a HUGE liar. Once there is a divorce filed, what will be looked at for my father to gain custody? What are the children's rights on custody? How can the children help determine who will gain custody? Is there a law that allows children to choose which parent will gain custody?

(after answering this urgent question, please provide me with any know web resource that can help me on my custody problem)

Please someone answer ASAP!
A million Thanks!

~Jaime

well my brothers are 13 and 15 and I myself am 16 years old. We live in Douglas county Wenatchee, WA. My father speaks only Spanish so i'm not sure whether he is able to/ or will be intimitaded ti, consult an attorney by himself, and i don't know if he knows how to research this situation. how can i consult an attorney for free? My mother and father are both responsible. also because my father left the household, will it be harder for him to gain custody?

Answer 1

according to the law, a child 7 years below is automatically be given to the mother. above 7 years old, the child can choose which of the parent they want to go with. i don't know any web site but i suggest you ask a lawyer. they know better what to do. i think as long as your father can provide you with a better life, there is a bigger chance that he will be granted custody. but i think you can help him by choosing your father. just ask a lawyer to make it clearer. good luck.

Answer 2

Jaime, I don't know where you are from so it's difficult to provide you with a website since some child custody laws are different from state-to-state, country-to-country. What you can do is to call an attorney that handles child custody cases, or better yet, have your father do it. The first consultation is free. If you have a case, the attorney will let you know. If you aren't happy with your mother for a particular reason other than she's a "liar" then there aren't too many judges that would refuse you the right to live with the parent of your choice, unless custody was granted by the court following the divorce. Your father must also have the means to care for you, and the desire to have you move in with him. Let him do the research for you.

Answer 3

The birthmother signs no matter what the age and if the birthfather is around he signs but grandparents don't sign the birthcertificate as they aren't the parent. As for custody when ever custody is changed over notice is given but until the court transfers custody the birthmother has custody so there has to be a courtorder and if the father gets a lawyer he can find out if the papers exists and could fight the restraining order.

Answer 4

Once your dad files for custody, he will have to prove that your mother is unfit. The other option is to get joint custody, which is the usual case. If there is some ligitimate reason that your mom should not have custody, be sure that the attorney knows, and that it can be proved. Depending on the ages, your opinion will be considered.

Answer 5

Look you do have some say in this you must show that you and your brothers want to go live with your dad. Usually custody goes to the mom, but if you show that she is very irresponsible or something like this there is nothing to worry about.

Answer 6

They take the children's wishes into account, and that counts for a lot.

It will be important that your father has a job and can support you, and that there is a safe and clean home.