Q: Does my daughter have to return to her father's if he violated the custody agreement and she is uncomfortable/ stressed?
My 14 yr old daughter (starting 9th grade) has made it very clear that she does not want to be at her father's, due to dismissal of feelings and uncomfortability with stepmother and manipulation to go live with them out of state. She has missed her monthly period due to stress of being there for the summer and only being granted to see us for 2 days by her dad. Her stepmother has violated private conversations between my daughter and I, and speaks down on my daughter, e.g., she stated she was looking to foster a child to replace my daughter when she goes to live with us (my daughter saw school counselor that week about the statement made). Dad never shows up to pick daughter up/drop off (have requested he comes with multiple times). Dad and stepmom refuse to let her play volleyball which she has shown interest in for couple years, unless she lives with them. Dad has not been UTD on Child support ever. I am very uncomfortable with having to bring her there with the way she is feeling.
A: You should consult with an experienced family law attorney in your area. To modify placement, you will need to prove facts that establish that there has been a substantial change of circumstances since entry of the current placement Order, and that a modification is in her best interests.
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