More details to this question:
I currently have full custody of my 16 year old minor. He/she is a troubled teen-truant from school and habitual runaway. Because of the behavior issues, a change in home environment is necessary. The minor has now moved in with the father. I want to make this change legal, giving him full custody of the minor. My ex will only agree to sign a joint agreement if I agree to let him off on all back child support owed. I will not agree to this. My question is, since he will not sign the mutual agreement form, is there another form I can file requesting change in custody to him? I did see one such form but it asks for the reason and I don't want to list all the behavior issue. I'm afraid it might make things worse for the minor and result in juvenile or something. I'm unclear what, if any downside there might be from doing this. Thank you
1 ANSWER
I don't really see why you should sign any such thing. If the child is with dad, what do you need a "joint agreement" to do? Frankly the burden should be on the other side since, under the older cases, until and unless a stipulation is signed changing custody, he still owes you support notwithstanding where the child is physically.
I would not worry too much about "resulting in juvenile or something." If you did feel some need to go to court to formalize the current arrangement (your question does not indicate why you feel some pressure to do this) you could be quite general and indicate that the child's current attitude and behavior made you conclude that he would be better off living with his father for some time.
There may be missing facts that could make a difference. It might be in your best interest to schedule a consultation with this office, or your prior attorney, or some other, and have someone do a more detailed evaluation of the situation, and list your alternatives.
Answered on Jun 03rd, 2014 at 2:14 PM