Q: Can my mom still force me to stay with her?
Hello. I am a 15 year old boy living in Orlando. My parents are not together. I live with my mom while my dad lives in Miami. For about a year now, my stepdad's parents have been living with us, turning my and my mom's lives unhappy. For awhile I have thought about living with my dad, but I don't want to leave my mom. Recently my mom and I got in a fight that resulted in my mom telling me she no longer trusts me. It might be best I move, for the both of us. What if my mom forces me to stay? Both of my parents have told me I could live with my dad if I wanted to. But I feel I have angered her too much and she won't want me to leave. Please help. I want to know what my rights are. We have no court order saying I have to live with either parent, nor is there one requiring visitation. My mom does not have full custody. I can choose to live with my dad, as both my mom and dad have previously stated.
A: You should have a conversation with both parents and let them know how you feel and what you believe is in your best interest. At 15, if your parents were going through a divorce, a Court would want to know who you want to live with. If your dad wants you to live with him, and he can accommodate your needs, there is no reason why you should not be able to do so. However, it is always best if both parents are on the same page. There are other issues such as child support that may come up. Is your dad currently providing child support to your mother for you? If you live with him now, is she going to provide child support for you? Visitation, etc.? If it can't be resolved amicably, and your dad wants custody, he should contact a local attorney. Good luck young man!
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