Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts

A legal age for a child to determine which parent to live with
Hi, I just wanted to thank you both for your answers about my neice. Unfortunately, my neice is mentally & verbally abused by her dad & stepmom. My sister went to court & the judge was really rude & said to my sister, ''Well, are you going to give your daughter keys to the car to go shopping?'' & my sister said ''no'', then the judge said ''Well, why do you think she is old enough to decide where to live?'' She said the judge seemed like he didn't care at all. Any suggestions? My sister was told she needed a g.a.l. to talk to my neice & that she would have to pay for the whole thing. She's really nervouse because she is being drained financially & if she doesn't get her back this time she can't afford to try again. She originally gave custody to her ex because he had a wife who stays at home & my sister works full time. So, my sister did the unself thing so her daughter would be able to do activities & wouldn't have to stay home alone. Now she's 15 & all she does is cry. She's only allowed to call my sister once a week, but if she's out & can't call they don't let her make it up. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you so very much!!!!!!!

Asked on 2/25/08, 11:47 pm

Gregory Lee Gregory P. Lee, Attorney at Law

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Re: A legal age for a child to determine which parent to live with

If a judge is already involved, and has suggested a GAL, that is the right route, even with all costs.

Answered on 2/26/08, 5:48 am

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