If a 16-year-old lives in LA with mother and father lives in MS and they have joint custody with the mother being dominant can the child leave home to go live with the father legally?

Answer 1

Where I come from, I believe so, yes. A 16 year old is old enough to decide which parent he or she wants to live with. If you just up and leave to go live with your father without telling your mother where you went, she is likely to cause all kinds of problems for you and your father, like either reporting you as a runaway, or accusing your father of kidnap (which is another issue altoghether). But yes, you have the right to choose which parent you want to live with. Both parents are equally responsible for your welfare. It may be wise to consult with both parents and let them know this is something you want to do. You also need to make sure your father is in a position to care for you, like providing housing and supervision and stuff. Answer Your choice should be honored, as long as both parents see it as doable, given economic realities. As guardians, they need to be included in your decision. Be careful that you are not trying to manipulate one or the other with the threat. It should only work once and you may not be able to return if you change your mind.