Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

Re: wants to leave home

Modifications are disfavored barring a change of circumstances in the life of the child/non-moving party that you can prove - not just allege.

If her mother is smoking crack, then yes, there is a problem. But sixteen year olds often chafe at life with their parent, and want changes that might not really be good for them.

"Not happy" is not sufficient, at least I wouldn't proceed on that basis.

If there is more to the story, talk to the grandparent and see if she can corroborate the story. If there is something there, perhaps there is a reason to proceed.

Jurisdiction is where the child has been living for at least the last six months. Bottom line, this is a LA problem, and you would need to start with counsel there.

Hope this helps. Elizabeth Powell