Hi. I'm a 16 yr old living in Shreveport, Louisiana. About 2 months ago, my father got a job opportunity in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The only thing was that we all had to move down there. When I say all, I mean, myself, my dad, and my stepmom. I didn't want to do it. I've lived in Shreveport all my life and I didn't want to move 4 hours away to live in a busy city that I don't like. Over the past 2 months, I've so far been doing everything in my power to try to stay in Shreveport, but so far nothing worked. My dad came to the conclusion that the only way I'd get to stay in Shreveport is to live with my mom. My mother lives in a 1 bedroom apartment with my stepdad in Shreveport. They are a very happy and stable couple, but my mom said that she didn't have much room for me. About a week ago, I was talking to my neighbor, who said that at 16, I can decide which parent to live with, no matter what either of them say. I just wanted to know if this is true. If not, what can I do at age 16? :(
2007-08-01 09:44:41 · 9 answers · asked by thatguyisawesome 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
No. To change custody takes a court order. At 16, the judge will listen to your input, however your word is by far not the final.
2007-08-01 09:49:23 · answer #1 · answered by davidmi711 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'm also from Louisiana (Baton Rouge) and went through this with my own kids. At 15 the court will HEAR what you'd like to do. If it does go to court, simply state your reasons for your decision, be mature & be firm in your decisions and WHY you've made those decisions. Ultimately though, the judge decides. Have you tried telling you mom how you feel? I'm sure if you expressed your feelings to her, she'd be more than happy to "make room" for you..
I wish you the best honey, Lynn
2007-08-01 16:51:19 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Calm down man. Shreveport sucks anyway. Baton Rouge has way more things to do. You can chose but be a man and move on.
2007-08-01 16:49:15 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
In Texas you would be old enough to make that decision. I think the age is 13 or 14. I would assume LA law wouldn't be much different. But, to be fair, you need to keep your mother's situation in mind. A 1-bedroom apartment would be awfully cramped with 3 full grown people living it. However, I would do anything in my power to FIND or make room for my kid.
2007-08-01 16:51:57 · answer #4 · answered by kj 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know by law. But if you really force yourself to live with your mom, what do you expect her to do? Move to another house with two rooms?
I think that you should be more open, probably a bigger city will provide more places to visit and new opportunities.
2007-08-01 16:51:06 · answer #5 · answered by Roberto 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, you cannot force your mother to take you if she does not have full custody. That would be ridiculous. If someone's parent didn't have the resources to take care of them, the child couldn't just force that parent to care for them when they aren't obligated to by custody.
Sorry. You could offer to get a job to pay partial rent on a larger apartment for your mom and stepdad. Or get over it and move. You sound like a brat to me "I don't want to move even though my dad has this great opportunity and can better provide for me. Whaaa!!! It should be all about ME!!!".
2007-08-01 16:50:45 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
most states say parents decide until your 18. you can become an emancipated minor tho. just go to your local court house ask the clerk how to file that report. a judge will hear you out he might grant you your own freedom than you can do or go any where you choose. good luck.
2007-08-01 16:50:13 · answer #7 · answered by link00777rl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i really think so i mean it is up to u and i wish u the best of luck.
2007-08-01 16:59:14 · answer #8 · answered by felicia 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, its up to you
2007-08-01 16:47:33 · answer #9 · answered by cindy h 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋