Contemp - custody breaking the cycle

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-26-2006
Contemp - custody breaking the cycle
2
Sat, 10-28-2006 - 9:21pm

My 14 year old daughter is refusing to go back up to her dad's tomorrow.
She called to tell him he wasn't coming and he advised her that he would bring the police up if she doesn't. We go back into court next month for a custody trial to modify parental rights. We currently do one week one week.

Last Friday night she called pleading for me to come pick her up. After many calls to the GAL, to her counselor, and to me, I had to tell her there was nothing I could do. Since she came back to my house and said she wasn't going back. I did call the police, but they were unwilling to get involved.

I left because of the emotional abuse, so I know what they have been going through.

So I am worried about tomorrow. Being so close to our hearing date, I realize what this could do to our hearing. But after last weekend, I am not willing to force her into the car.

It's a turning point for her, so I know I have to remain strong and show her that she is empowered to make a decision about her rights. I can't let her down like I did last weekend. I need some words of wisdom tonight.

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-02-2003
Sat, 10-28-2006 - 11:13pm

Don't know how much wisdom it is, but please check the following website:

Blueliner4
(aka The Pixie Princess)

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-05-2004
Mon, 10-30-2006 - 9:16am
I am in Ohio also. While I am not familiar with the exact statute, I do believe that in this state your daughter *is* old enough to declare whom she wants to go with. I had a friend and a cousin where, in both cases, the parents got divorced when they were around your daughter's age or even younger, and the girls' wishes were respected as to whom they wanted to live with. As Blueliner said, www.womenslaw.org can tell you the letter of the law, but I believe she is old enough.
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