Could she take this to court? What can we do?

Question

Okay my little cousin is 13, turning 14 in January. Shes lived in MO her whole life basically and her mom says as soon as she can, she's making her move to a different state. Possibly get back together with her father, who my cousin dislikes VERY much.

My cousin knows so many people here and has too many friends to leave. Shes asked her mom if she can live with her grandma, aunts, or any of her uncles that happen to live in the same city as her, but her mom refuses.

Her mom says she's moving because she hates where they live, although my cousin loves it.

Isn't there a way my cousin can go to court to be able to live with another family member instead move with her mom?

She even has friends that have offered to let her live with them.

She doesn't want to live with her father because he use to be addicted to drugs and alcohol and that's the reason her parents split up. Plus he abused her mom a little. They argue all the d**n time too.

And she doesn't get along with her mom whatsoever. Her mom is always getting mad at her for things she didn't do, yelling at her, and sometimes hitting her. Not major abuse hitting, but she does slap her and push her around.

My little cousin is very independent and responsible.. and everytime her mom mentions them moving within this year, it depresses her. Her mom knows it, but she doesn't care. It's like she doesn't care about her feelings.

If her mom wants to move just because SHE doesn't like it here, can't my cousin do something to be able to live with another family here instead of going with her mom?

It doesn't seem fair to us at all.

I'd let her live with me but there isn't any room.

I know this doesn't sound too serious to you guys, but you don't understand how big of a deal my cousin takes it as and how depressed she gets thinking about it. And it breaks my heart knowing when they move she won't ever be able to come back and see her friends shes had for over 6 years.

PLEASE help us.

Answer 1

Sorry, your cousin is a minor for some years to come, and she is entirely under the control of her parents.  If they say move, she moves.

Kids all over the world have to move from friends and family ever day of the year.  It sucks if you're the kid or a friend, but that's life.  Parents have to live their lives, and the children do not get to veto their decisions.

Your cousin does not understand the situation fully, no 13 yr old will.  Her mother's decision may be best for all of them in the long run, because she understands the big picture.  All your cousin can do is try to make the best of it, just like millions of kids do every year.