I want to move to my dad in Canada

[Unregistered]

I m 15, almost 16, and my parents divorced when I was 4/5. I currently live with my mom in the U.S., but I want to live with my dad in Canada. I asked once before when I was around 10, but my mom said no. My mom is emotionally abusive (I don t think she realizes it, but I m too scared to bring it up.) I think my dad would take better care of me. How do I go forward with this?

[ccsmod11]

RE: I want to move to my dad in Canada

Hi there,

Thank you for reaching out to NRS and sharing your situation with us. It sounds like things are especially difficult at home with your mom and that you are working to find a good alternative to address the situation. We are not legal experts here at NRS but typically if you are under 18 years old you are required to live with a legal guardian or somewhere with the permission of a legal guardian. Do you know if your mother or father (or both) is your legal guardian? At NRS we have a number of legal resources that we would be able to connect you with to determine what your rights are as far as which legal guardian you live with. We are available 24/7 via our safe line at 1-800-786-2929.

You mentioned that you are too scared to disucss the emotional abuse to your mother, everyone has a right to feel safe physically and mentally in their home, have you considered talking to anyone else about the situation (such as your dad, a school counselor, friend, or other family member)? Perhaps talking to someone else may help with figuring out a way to discuss your desire to move with your mom or perhaps it would be helpful to have someone else there to support you when you talk to your mom.

Of course NRS is here to help in any way we can. We are confidential and available 24/7 via the safeline number above or at our online chat services at www.1800runaway.org.

Best of luck,
NRS