Can a 14 Year-Old Choose Which Parent She Wants to Reside With, Joint Custody

[exiled2001]

PandorasBox: We have been documenting it. It's not just the stepmother (she's the most blatant), it's her father as well. He's only wanting her around for his own benefit, not because he really knows what being a father means or entails. He has zero relationship with her and she resents him. Yeah, I've heard all that "advice" as well and been through hell with him--still am going through it even though I no longer am his wife (praise to the heavens for that). Thank you for your post--you don't hear near enough support let alone compassion for this subject.

Chede: I think I already have FROR because that's what's been implemented for 6 years now. He knows his wife can't stand the kids (just one now--others at college) and that they'd rather be with me anyhow. I honestly can't get anywhere legally, and I have my suspicions there (with good reason), so I may just have to be ready to go through the fire on this one.

[Dogmatique]

My other children have been in therapy and I plan to put this one in therapy as well. Maybe after she's in there awhile, I can try pursuing full physical once again. My luck with attorneys is not good in this county, and with my ex being an attorney, all seems against me at this time.

What about possibly being in contempt of the court order for joint custody? Could I be charged with parental kidnapping? If I don't want my child alone with his wife, and do not let her stay over there, can he have me arrested? I did some research on my own last night about this. I don't want to prevent him from [I]seeing[I] her, I just don't want her being cared for by his wife, which is what will be happening.

Until the court order is changed, you obey the current order. If that says that kiddo goes back to Dad today, then she better go back to Dad.

You do NOT want to be held in contempt for keeping her against the court order - that will pretty much kill any thoughts you're having about becoming the primary parent.

[llworking]

Until the court order is changed, you obey the current order. If that says that kiddo goes back to Dad today, then she better go back to Dad.

You do NOT want to be held in contempt for keeping her against the court order - that will pretty much kill any thoughts you're having about becoming the primary parent.

I agree with this but I do think that its really important that you file for primary custody ASAP. With dad living an hour away, as school starting soon if it hasn't already started, a 60 minute commute for school is going to be hard on your daughter.

If dad really DOES get the apartment locally, then I very much doubt his wife will joint him for his parenting time with the child...which might be a very good thing for the child.