My question involves child abuse or neglect in the State of: Arizona. My ex-husband and I divorced 9 years ago, we have spent half that time in court. He was a good father(other than very harsh punishments) until he remarried. He now has 7 kids in a small home. The step-mom is horrid to my kids, and openly admits disliking them. The dad supports his wife and has recently told my kids that because she is his wife, he will always choose her. He said when they move out, she will still be his wife, so she comes first. They have suffered years of physical, verbal and mental abuse, and hate having to be at that house. Step mom made it clear from the beginning it was her house, not theirs. It would take a lot to get into details of what my kids go thru, but it is leaving scars that will not heal easily. When my kids were in 4th & 5th grade, dad told them before high school, they would have to choose a permanent house. My young children told me he proceeded to manipulate them into choosing him by bad mouthing me. This devastated them at the time, now they want him to stand by those words. They are so unhappy when they aren't "home", with me. My daughter recently told me he does not care when they are with him, he never spends any time unless it is punishing. The only reason he makes them go is so he can control me. He cannot let me have what I want, or what they want. Breaks my heart when she says these things. Is there an age where kids don't have to be forced to go to a parent's house? They beg me every week. I'm afraid if I didn't force them, I can get in trouble for custodial interference, basically kidnapping....

