Q: My friend who is 17 has been living with her mom. Her mom told us she could live with me. Then her grandpa takes her
Her grandparents have custody but yet have not said anything tell she got back into Missouri then comes over and just yells through my door that she needs to go with them or else. We don’t know what to do but she is not mentally stable there and hates living with them. Her mom gave her promotion to move out.
A:
In situations where there's a dispute over the custody or living arrangements of a minor, the legal custody order takes precedence. If the grandparents have legal custody of your friend, they generally have the right to decide where she lives until she reaches the age of majority, which is 18 in most states. The mother's permission for your friend to live with you might not hold legal weight if she does not have custodial rights.
It's important for your friend to communicate her feelings and the reasons she believes living with her grandparents is not in her best interest. However, such discussions should ideally be approached in a calm and respectful manner, possibly with the assistance of a neutral third party who can mediate. If your friend is facing serious issues regarding her mental health or well-being, it may be necessary to seek the intervention of child protective services or a legal professional who can advise on the best course of action.
Considering the complexities involved, especially with the legal aspect of custody, your friend might benefit from speaking to a counselor or a legal advocate who can provide guidance specific to her situation. They can help navigate the legal system and advocate for her best interests, potentially exploring options like requesting a change in custody if it can be proven that her current living situation is detrimental to her well-being.
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