Custody Dispute

[ang]

Hello,
I have a 16 year old son who lives with his mother in MI. Our divorce decree is filed with the VA courts. He has made repeated requests regarding wanting to reside with me and my spouse. I have requested the mother forward proper documentation to relinquish custody and that way I can return home and handle the custody transfer. However, she is now refusing to do so. I have alerted the police and will be contacting social services in MI based on my son's allegations of his mother's child abuse and neglect. The police have filed a report but feel no need to intervene at this time. My son has been calling my wife frantic everyday because his mom is threatening to put him in a detention home. I need to know what his rights are and mine so I can try to get home and handle matters.
The mother has full custody and I have reaonsable visitation.
Thank you for your time,
A soldier

[Mr. Knowitall]

From what you write, until either she agrees or you go back to court in Michigan and get the court to rule otherwise, she will remain the primary custodian.

[ang]

Thanks for the response.

You mean the VA courts who issued the last custody order, right?

[Mr. Knowitall]

My mistake - yes, but if the mother and child have resided in Michigan for six months or longer it may be possible for them to get jurisdiction transferred to Michigan.