Legal Question in Family Law in Pennsylvania

divorce

I am 17 years of age, and living with my mother has become so stressful that my grades have suffered and I have noticed that I am an over all unhappy person with her. She tells me that I am not allowed to live with my father because she sais they agreed on it. I've asked him and he will take me in. I want to Know if I do have the option of getting out of my mothers house on my call with out her having any control over it. (they have joint custody) Thanks.


Asked on 11/14/08, 11:43 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Roger Traversa Arjont Group (Law Office of Roger Traversa)

Re: divorce

You asked about choosing where you may live.

A child of 17 can choose with which parent they will live. Often a court will respect the child's wishes at even younger ages. As long as the parents have joint custody then the court does not even need to intervene. If the parents had a different custody arrangement then the court may need to be involved. But since you state joint custody, then you can essentially pack your bags and move today.

But, make sure you understand and that your mom understands that you are not choosing one parent over the other. You are making the move for your own betterment and not to harm her. She'll still throw a hissy, but if you continue to show the maturity that you seem to possess you all will come out better for this.

Good luck and regards,

Roger

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Answered on 11/14/08, 12:49 pm


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