Clinton, MA asked in Child Custody, Divorce and Family Law for Massachusetts

Q: Can a child request a custody change if they feel they are being mentally abused?

I have split parents, they have been divorced since I was 5. My mother has been abusing me mentally. I know this always gets over looked as the child overreacting but this isn’t some joke. My parents have equal custody, can I request to live with my good parent?

1 Lawyer Answer

A: If you are being mentally abused, have you told a Mandated Reporter such as a pediatrician , social worker, mental health counselor, psychologist, or school guidance counselor or school official or DCF hotline # about this matter and the underlying facts which constitute mental abuse? Is the non-abusing parent aware of the facts? The adults need to become involved in order to proceed with the Court system to intercede on your behalf for there to be a custodial change.

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