Child Support when the kids live alone

[jj88]

We live in Tennessee. My ex recently got a job where he is working away from home and is gone for two weeks at a time. He has custody of our three children. The oldest is 19 and just graduating from high school and the next will be 18 in August and will graduate next year. The youngest is 14 and will be in 9th grade. I am trying to come up with money to take him to court since the oldest one is graduating.. However, with this new situation, it makes me wonder what might be done since they are now basically raising themselves. I would like to get custody of the youngest but since I don't live in the same town or county, am not sure if I would be able to. At the moment, I am working two jobs and have my own home. At the time of our divorce, I was living with someone else and didn't think I could buy a house. What can I do or expect in a situation like this?

[AFFA]

I wish to inform you that you may file a petition for modification of the child custody and child support order. It will be filed in the same court which made the child custody order as it has continuing jurisdiction in the matter. You may show the change in circumstances wherein you now have a home and your ex is gone on a job for two weeks at a time. The court always considers the best interests of the child. The court will also consider the views of the children in the matter. After considering all the facts the court will decide the matter.

AFF

[Friend In Court]

Originally Posted by jj88 We live in Tennessee. My ex recently got a job where he is working away from home and is gone for two weeks at a time. He has custody of our three children. The oldest is 19 and just graduating from high school and the next will be 18 in August and will graduate next year. The youngest is 14 and will be in 9th grade. I am trying to come up with money to take him to court since the oldest one is graduating.. However, with this new situation, it makes me wonder what might be done since they are now basically raising themselves. I would like to get custody of the youngest but since I don't live in the same town or county, am not sure if I would be able to. At the moment, I am working two jobs and have my own home. At the time of our divorce, I was living with someone else and didn't think I could buy a house. What can I do or expect in a situation like this?

From your post, apparently the 19-year old is left in charge of the other two children while your ex is away. Not the best situation, even with the most mature of children.

What does the 14-year old think? Breaking up the kids, moving one out of town/county, , away from school and friends? A successful modification attempt will rest on many factors, not the least of which is how the 14-year old reacts to your proposal.

[Maryellen]

You don't mention whether there is another adult staying with them when your husband is out of town. Is he gone for two weeks out of every month or just two weeks occasionally? With your working two jobs your 14 year old might end up with less supervision than he has now.

[jj88]

No, there is no one there with them. He is gone for two weeks at a time and home about four to six days a month. If I got custody of my youngest son, I would quit one of my jobs so I could be home with him in the evening. But he doesn't want to move as he can do what he wants when he wants.