Comments on: What happens to me if my parents get a divorce?

By: Serana

Serana — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 04:44:50 +0000

Hi,
I think my dad might divorce my stepmother, except they were never truly legally married to begin with, even though they’ve been together for 8 years. We live in Colorado. I’m 16, but I attend college, and I want to know if it’s possible to choose to live with my stepmother, even though she has no legal custody over me? My birthmother and father have been divorced since I was 3, and she has no custody for me.
Dear Serana: It may be possible for you to live with your stepmother after she’s “divorced” from your Dad. Regardless of their legal status, once they go their separate ways, your status is important to the court and if they can’t agree on who you live with, the judge may have to make the decision. When a court becomes involved with custody and visitation, the decision is based on what’s in your best interests. At your age, you’ll have a chance to voice your opinion either in person to the court or in writing. Good luck.
(This is information only – not legal advice).

By: Sharon

Sharon — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 01:13:51 +0000

Please Advise:
My daughter is turning 18 next month. She wants to come live with me when she graduates in June. But, her grandmother says that she can’t. We Live in GA. her Dad and I are divorces now 11 years.
Dear Sharon: A person becomes an adult at age 18 in Georgia. Unless there are court orders to the contrary, your daughter can choose to live with you or anyone she chooses at that time. There may be an exception to this, however, under the laws in your state. You can speak with a lawyer about the particulars here and get dome local legal advice. Good luck.
(This is information only – not legal advice).

By: Skyler Rayne

Skyler Rayne — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:33:59 +0000

If I’m 16 and pregnant and don’t want to live with either of my parents, can I legally move in with my grandma? Will me being pregnant allow me to live with any guardian I want legally? Please don’t tell me to “sit down and talk with my parents” my parents can’t even be in the same room with each other without fighting and im tired of the fighting… I just wanna live with my grandma and they won’t listen… And I don’t think I legally can unless my parents are proven unfit which neither of them are… So will the pregnancy allow me to? State of Georgia btw.
Dear Skyler: Since you can’t speak with your parents about this, maybe your grandmother can help. If she approaches your parents with the suggestion that you live with her, maybe the four of you can reach an agreement. Otherwise, you’re stuck with living where your parents decide is best. That is their legal responsibility under the law unless you’re in danger of abuse or neglect. Being pregnant doesn’t change your rights as a minor or their obligations to provide appropriate care for you. Good luck.
(This is information only – not legal advice).

By: eddie

eddie — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:48:58 +0000

okay im 16 going on 17..i live with my mom in kentucky and my dad lives in virginia!! my dad sighned custody to my mom and i want to move all we do is argue can i legally live with my dad even tho she has full custody?
Dear Eddie: If your parents agree to your move to your Dad’s home, then it’s fine. You don’t need a lawyer or a court order to do this if they agree. Otherwise, they may have to seek a modification of custody from the court. Good luck.
(This is information only – not legal advice).

By: lynn

lynn — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 15:55:00 +0000

hi my name is lynn i live in wisconsin im 16 1/2 and my parents are going to court for custody of me and my brother. my parents are seperated and neither are very good houses to be living in. my dads house has alot of stress, secrects, and lying. really no where in the house is peaceful nor quite. so i sleep during school, and feel very overwhellemed. how ever my moms house is much worse for one she isnt even living in a house she lives in a hotel, she has an abusive husband and another child she can barley afford. she never has food and sells her food stamps. when we all go to court is there a way i can be emancipated? or maybe ever partially…?
Dear Lynn: Sorry to hear about your situation. Not all states have emancipation laws. To find out the specific laws in your state, try Googling your state’s name and “emancipation laws”. The states that do have emancipation laws usually make it somewhat difficult for a minor to become emancipated. For example, the minor has to show the court that they are financially independent and able to pay all of their own bills including rent, utilities, groceries, etc. Because you are already 16, the judge will most likley want to hear from you and your thoughts and feelings concerning the custody arrangements. Be honest with the judge and let him/her know how you feel. If you feel uncomfortable doing this in front of your parents, you could ask to meet with judge privately. Take care and good luck.
(This is information only – not legal advice.)

By: BreeAnna Martin

BreeAnna Martin — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 23:09:43 +0000

Hi I’m a 14 year old and I just got into touch with my father. He left 13 years ago after my mom cheated on him… Now I really want to go live with him…. She is never able to talk to me cuz she is always working or studying. HELP!!! How can I go live with him if she is SO against it..
Dear BreeAnna: Your father may have to approach the subject with your Mom. Hopefully, they can work out an arrangement that’s satisfactory to all of you. As you get older, your position regarding custody and visitation carries more weight if this ends up in court. In the meantime, make the best of the present situation and try to find a good time to speak with your mother. Good luck.
(This is information only – not legal advice).

By: Anonymous11 :)

Anonymous11 :) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:03:51 +0000

I mean him cuddling with girlfriend

By: Anonymous11 :)

Anonymous11 :) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:01:59 +0000

Well where to begin, I’m old enough to live with my other parent, but my parent that I’m living with refuses to let me go. I feel like I’m getting all my rights taking away since my father got a new girlfriend and he doesn’t listen to my opinions anymore. He asked for mine because he was tired of me ignoring him and telling him that I do not like cuddling with his girlfriend and treating me different, he always said to me since I was little that I could not live with my mom, and if I tried he would fight for me. Well lately we have been having disagreements and now my friend does not want to comeover anymore and since she can’t , he made it a point I can’t go over there either and pretty much can’t go anywhere. Well I’m old enough and was wondering if I did find away to move there if their would be anyway I could bring my thing like besides clothes and the things I need, could I bring some Of my furniture that I got as a Christmas gift? I’m not sure if I would be able too
Dear Anonymous11: We’re assuming you are talking about bringing your stuff to your Mom’s if you end up living with her. If your Dad bought the furniture for you and your bedroom at his house, then it would be up to him to let you take it with you. Perhaps you could try calmly talking with your Dad and Mom about how you feel and why you would like to live with your Mom. Maybe if your Dad realizes how unhappy you are with the current arrangements, he might be willing to compromise and let you live with your Mom for awhile or at least on a part-time basis. Take care and good luck.
(This is information only – not legal advice.)

By: Jonathan

Jonathan — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 02:48:42 +0000

I am 17 turning 18 in June and living in Wisconsin. I have a sister that’s 16 and an autistic brother that’s 12. My mom wants to divorce my dad for a guy that’s 19, lives with us, and goes to my high school. My dad is a stay at home dad and mom is the income maker. She plans on moving out with her boyfriend and is afraid of supporting two households because we are a low income family. Would my siblings and I be awarded to my dad because of this unethical relationship and how would child support and maintenance be determined since we are low income? Will my sister and I get a say in where we are placed and be able to speak on behalf of my autistic brother?
Dear Jonathan: We’re sorry to hear about your situation. All states have laws regarding custody and visitation of minors when a divorce or separation occurs. The bottom line for every court is what is in the best interests of the children and teenagers in the family. At your age, you and your sister will likely have a say about this before the judge makes a decision. That’s not to say, you’ll get everything you ask for, but the judge will consider your position. Income is always a consideration when it comes to determining child support and spousal maintenance for your mother or father. These are legal matters that either your parents and/or their lawyers will take up with the court. Good luck.
(This is information only – not legal advice).

By: Heather

Heather — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:03:53 +0000

My daughter is 13. Her dad and I have 50-50 custody. Breanne started having terrible nightmares of her father trying to kill me; waking up crying. On the week she was to go with her dad, she was in school counselor’s office every morning crying and saying she did not want to go to dad’s because of verbal abuse of dad’s new wife and her dad not backing her (Breanne) up. Her grades began to fail because of not always being in class. She met with not only counselor but Deputy assigned to school when she made the statement she would rather be dead than go back to her dad’s. Without any help or encouragement from me, she refused to go to her dads. I told her change in custody would take Court order, but on her own she absolutely refused to go, plus the Deputy said he would not force her to go because of what he heard her say which bordered on suicidal thoughts. She has been with me for over 3 months. Dad realized this is all Breanne’s idea and not mine. I do support her decision 100%. He threatens her that she should be with him every other week, but has not gone to Court because he probably realizes how deeply distressed she would be if forced to go back and how it would make him look by what she is saying.. Under these circumstances, do you think I should wait another 3 months and then go to court to get full custody? Would judge listen to Breanne on how terribly unhappy she would be going back to dad and how it would affect her emotional health? She is very happy now; bringing up her grades; no nightmares unless dad starts sending texts, e-mails saying she has to come with him the next week. I am so afraid judge will send new wife to parenting class and say everything will be ok. Breanne knows it will not be. New wife has truly been verbally cruel to her. I’m so worried.
Dear Heather: It is difficult to predict what may happen in or out of court. We recommend you speak with a local family lawyer about this. He or she will know the policies of the judges assigned to hear these cases and can advise you how best to proceed. The bottom line in all custody and visitation cases is the best interests of the child. In your case, Breanne’s welfare is paramount. Good luck.
(This is information only – not legal advice).