a question about custody in a divorce!!!?

Question

i am 16. My parents are getting divorced. I live in MN. My mom said she is going to make my life a living hell and im kinda scared. Do you kno if there is a law that will let my dad have custody. Am i old enough to choose for myself. If there isnt some sort of law my mom will find a way to get around it and honestly i dont want to end up with her!! please help

Answer 1

Ok first off, you are NOT legally old enough to choose who you want to live with, it depends on the judge in the divorce case and if he or she will even hear your testimony on it.

Talk to your father and ask him to get you into counseling, so that the counselor can testify on your behalf, also have him request a guardian ad litem (basically an attorney that represents your needs in a custody dispute)

There is no guarantee that you will be able to live with your father full time. There are a lot of factors that have to be considered.

Even if you do get to live primarily with your father, your mother will get visitation rights - and you will have to be very careful and make sure you don't make it difficult for her to see you, as she can cause a lot of problems for you, and your dad, if that happens.

Answer 2

Assuming that the case goes to court, you will be asked where you would like to live as most courts allow your wishes to be considered after age 12. Should you be asked to testify or to give an affidavit, be clear on why you are making the choice that you are making. If there were threats made by your mother, say that.
You are not a piece of marital property to be appropriated. You are nearly an adult and you will be heard.
Good Luck

Answer 3

In Minnesota, after age 12, the court will consider your desires in determining custody, but is not required to follow those desires. The closer you are to age 18, the more weight they will give to your desires.

If you tell the court your concerns and what your mom has said, I think it is likely that the court will grant your dad custody. Your dad has just as much right to have custody as your mom.

Answer 4

ask your dad to see to it that a guardian ad litem is appointed by the court. Talk to the guardian. You are old enough to decide which parent for yourself. If your dad is willing to have you and is a fit person.

If he will not or cannot have custody, ask the guardian to petition the court for you to be an independent minor and be emancipated from both parents.
If your Mother is abusing you, emotionally the guardian can also have you placed in a group home or possibly a foster home.

Answer 5

Your mother said a very cruel thing to you, and it's not right, fair and rather abusive...

You can decide who you want to live with, and go with them.. you are 16. Call your father and let him know that you would like to live with him... I'm sure his attorney will let you talk with the judge in his chambers to tell him of your wishes... it happens every day.

You might also let the Judge and/or your dad's attorney know what your mother has said to you. I'm sorry she's such an inconsiderate, angry person.

all the best.

Answer 6

After age of 12, you are allow to choose whom you are going to live with. Always put safety in priority. No one will put a child under a dangerous human being.
Not necessary must be your parents, you may consider your grandparents or aunts.

Answer 7

im so sorry, why would your mom say that? and yes you can decide which parent you want to live with, but most times, the other parent has some sort of custody

good luck!

Answer 8

You can decide who you want to live with, but the Judge will ultimately decide what is in your best interest. Make sure you tell the judge what she has said.

Answer 9

yes you have just the correct age, a guess its at 16 you can decide who to live with ask a counselor or a lawyer

Answer 10

You can decide... just tell the judge how your mom treats you, and what kind of mom says that??? OMG if I were to get divorced, my kids would be my #1 priority!