Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

My Teen wants to leave his mothers and live with me

Ok my son is 14 he doesn't want to live with his mother anymore do to abuse and neglect in the household. What are the steps I need to go through to apply for custody. And ultimatly are they just going to ask him where he wants to live or is it going to be a fight?


Asked on 9/08/07, 9:30 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Peter Mogren Mogren, Glessner & Ahrens, P.S.

Re: My Teen wants to leave his mothers and live with me

You need to file a Petition to Modify the Parenting Plan. They will not ask your son where he wants to live. That is not his choice until he is 18. Until then, it is the parents choice, and if they cannot decide, it is up to the courts. You will have to document the abuse and neglect, and show that the present environment of your son is detrimental to his physical or emotional well being. Your mere speculation will not be sufficient. This is not an easy burden to establish.

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Answered on 9/10/07, 11:02 am


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