Legal Question in Family Law in Missouri

17 year daughter old wants to live with father

I have been in the process of a divorce for over eight months. At first it was non-contested, using the same lawyer. My youngest was to live with mom, oldest daughter with me, their wishes. All was fine, all seemed happy. My wife changes her mind. Oldest daughter was distraught. Mom and oldest get along like oil and water. Youngest is a gifted student, cheerleader and always used as a comparison to her older sister who has trouble in school(just evaluated and diagnosed with ADD) weight problems and poor self esteem and low sense of self worth. She is bright, funny and well liked. I have never influenced my oldest daughter in any way. They both know how much I love them, unconditionally. My oldest knows that I will do, and have done everything to help her with her ADD. That I will encourage her, get her tutors, and give her the structure she needs and that has been recommended. At 17 can my daughter move to the two bedroom, two bath apartment I have found with me, without the court making the decision? The lawyer I retained has not reponded to my requests to meet with him going on three months. I just learned they lost my paperwork and never filed it.


Asked on 9/27/01, 5:56 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael R. Nack Michael R. Nack, Attorney at Law

Re: 17 year daughter old wants to live with father

You obviously need expert legal services, and it would appear that you are not getting them. As you should already know one lawyer can not represent both parties in a divorce. Your post referred to "same lawyer". Does the lawyer represent you or does the lawyer represent your wife? If the lawyer represents you, has lost your papers, and is unavailable to meet with you for a period of three months, what in the world are you doing? Aren't the legal rights and duties of yourself and your wife, and the well being of your children important enough to obtain the very best legal service you can find? My suggestion would be for you to promptly fire your lawyer in writing and hire an attorney who will provide competent and timely legal service. Your daughters deserve it!

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Answered on 11/08/01, 11:37 pm


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