Want to change custody...help me

[kels8295]

I am a minor, and I would like to change custody from my mother to my
> father. I feel like in order to better improve my and my mother\'s
> relationship, I need to move out and have my father to have sole custody
> of me. My mother and I fight quite often, and she is somewhat abusive
> towards me. Is there a way that I can change custody?
> I\'m not sure if my mother would agree with my decision. I\'ve already
> talked to my father about this and he fully supports me. If my mother
> doesn\'t agree to me wanting to change sole custody, is there a way I can
> still change it?

First, the ease at which this can happen largely depends on your age. If you are at least 14, you can be interviewed before the court hearing and state that you want to live with your dad. Your dad will have to file a motion to change custody. Your mom can fight it in court but if he can show that he can fully provide for you and if your interview states that you are better off living with him that should be enough for the judge to give your dad sole custody. You can mention in your interview that emotional abuse is one of the reasons you want to be with your dad. Your dad should get letters from your teachers, people who know you well, coaches, people at your place of worship (if you go to one), etc stating that you are better off with your dad. You and your dad will need to decide if you'd like to allow your mom to have visitation though(like every other weekend or two weeknights per week...etc) as she may fight for this as well. Other than the emotional abuse, are there any other needs that are not being met? Does she take you to school on time? Have you had regular doctor's visits? Dental visits? Are you ever left by yourself? Does she date a lot of different men? All of these factors will make it easier for a judge to see that you should be with your dad! Good luck!!

I can see my stepkids doing this when they get older...wanting to come with their dad and I because their mom's home is nothing but harmful to them. Good for you for standing up for yourself!

[tbyte]

How old are you, and what State do you live in?
By the way, avoid providing any other specific details about your address or name in public forums such as this. State and Age are all that are pertinent.

[kels8295]

First of all. Im 15 soon to be 16.
And I live in GA.

My mother gets me to school and makes sure that I go to the doctor and such, but she is somewhat abusive. And I feel that in order to better improve our relationship emotionally that I should move out. My mother is married, and doesnt date other men. So none of those factors would benefit to my case. But she is emotionally abusive and it is hard living there.

[kels8295]

Also Im wondering how to even start taking action on this matter.
What do I need to do first in order to change custody? Do I need to call someone or make an appt? Im really not sure how to begin.

Sounds like you want a judge to give you a permanent MALL pass.

You can try sitting down with both parents and discussing it like an ADULT. That means no stomping, kicking and screaming.

Or set a goal to graduate with a 4.0 even a 3.0

Or runaway, hitchike, get killed.

A last thought you never abuse anybody right?

[tbyte]

Kels, be careful about listening to unregistered users on this forum...

Legally, it is not your choice which parent you live with. That is a decision of the court. At your age, the courts will consider your preference, but that is not the only factor they will consider.
The problem is your age. At 16, the court may lean towards your preference, as long as you can articulate your reasons for it. But unfortunately, our legal processes run extremely slowly in this country. If your mother chooses to fight your wishes, it could take a year, or even two, before you get a final decision in this matter. By that time, of course, you will be nearly 18 anyway.
So, for practical reasons, you should if at all possible work with both of your parents to come to an agreement.

[kels8295]

I have no intentions on Kicking, stomping, or screaming.
I've learned how to handle things like an adult.
Mall pass? That's a little immature if I say so myself.
I'm trying to look past age here.
I need someone who can help me with this issue...Not try to be quirky.
Thanks byte for being helpful.
I will take your advice into consideration.
And I'm planning on talking to my mother in a very calm manner.
That way she'll be able to understand my views and what is best.
Hopefully she will come to realize that this is best for me, and she'll agree calmly and handle things fairly.

I'm glad someone like you has a sense of decorum, byte.
Thank you.

[kels8295]

And another thing to that unregistered user:
I have a 4.0, and I'm not an idiot.
I know the things I am doing, and I handle them as an adult would handle them.

I don't set low standards, such as running away, hitchhiking or settling for a 3.0. I have goals, and I intend on accomplishing them.

The only problem I face at the moment is being able to handle this matter and allow my father full custody of me.
I don't need criticism; I need help with this matter.

Thanks to the other unregistered user at the beginning of this thread and to tbyte.

[tbyte]

LOL!

Kels, you have no idea how much more mature and well-spoken you are than many of the people on this forum!

Best of luck to you.