Legal Question in Family Law in Minnesota

Verbal, Mental, Emotional Abuse-child wants out but is afraid

My son is constantly cut down by his dad (who has custody) and dad's wife. Told that he is stupid and doesn't know anything. Both of them degrade me to my son all the time. His dad has been physically abusive at times too and has lost visitation when I had custody of my children for about 2 months. Amongst many other things. His dad is a pathological liar and very manipulative of people. What can my son do legally to get out of there? What steps will he need to take? He is so afraid of his dad and is afraid of getting him mad for fear that he will do something to him. He is afraid to talk to anyone about the situation at his dad's home. In talking to a psychologist in the past, my son opened up and said how he felt about his dad and the way he treated him. The Psychologist went right to his dad with what he had said. His dad had knocked him around but didn't leave any bruises so child protection would not do anything about it. I have called child protection several times, but because there are no marks left on his body, they will not intervene.


Asked on 5/21/01, 3:15 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
David Kelly-952-544-6356 Kelly Law Office

Re: Verbal, Mental, Emotional Abuse-child wants out but is afraid

This type of situation is fairly common. I once had a case where a parent was chasing a boy with a knife and child protection did nothing.

I recommened to my client that he start a custody proceeding. The child was ready to sign an affidavit about the physically threatening behavior of his Mom. The case went poorly, however. Mom who was on welfare was provided with a free lawyer who was quite good.

When all seemed lost the boy provided me with an audio tape he had made with his boom box of one of the "I'm gonna cut you!" sessions where his Mom was after him. (He always could outrun her so child protection did nothing.)

At the next hearing we offered it in evidence. Everything went pretty well after that.

A child custody proceeding - that's what you need - and a good lawyer.

Good luck.

This response is for general information purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. You are advised to consult the attorney of your choice concerning the details of your case.

Read more
Answered on 6/26/01, 5:30 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody and Adoption questions and answers in Minnesota