Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

Can 17 year old daughter choose primary residence

Husband's 17 year old daughter is not happy at her mother's house. Has been unhappy for approx. 1 year, but only in the last few weeks feels she can no longer deal with living there. There is no abuse, other than step-dad who picks on her incessantly. Grades have dropped d/t doing television courses in small private school not equipped for 11 & 12 graders. She is simply very unhappy in her present surroundings. Mother's family takes her to psychiatrist and tells them she is depressed and suicidal and they put her on meds.(she has denied depression and suicidal ideations to us.) If she continues to voice being unhappy being there, back to dr, more meds. She is happy with father. Wants to live with father now. (She is really a good, level-headed kid.) Mother is EXTREMELY opposed to her wanting to be with her dad. Told her she would ''disown'' her if she moved here.

Daughter feels she has been the parent for too long, and no one will LISTEN to her because it involves ''living with the enemy.'' Will a judge allow her live with us based on an interview and her wishes?


Asked on 1/11/05, 8:45 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Moses Williams Moses E. Williams, Attorney at Law

Re: Can 17 year old daughter choose primary residence

The judge can change both your daughter's custodial parent and residency. I would need more information from you to advise you further.

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Answered on 1/12/05, 10:52 am


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