What are rights of a 16 yr old re: where he wants to live -

Thank you for your question.

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I am sorry to hear of this sad situation.

If this went to Court the Court would most likely give considerable weight to the child's wishes. It's rarely the case that a Court would make an order against the wishes of a child of this age.

As well, even if there was such an order no one would enforce the order against the child.

So as long as you could show you were not behind the child's refusal to go home nothing would be done. The child is just too old to force to go live somewhere.

As well, the parents do not want the child.

The mother wants the child to live with her parents and even they agree that is not best.

So at the end of the day there is very little doubt about the income. The child will most likely get to live with you.

And the parents will have to provide child support to you.

I believe the mother will be told this if she goes to see a family lawyer.

It would make sense for you to have a face to face consultation with a family lawyer at this point.

You can contact the Law Society and use their Lawyer Referral Service. You will be given the name of a lawyer and can consult with the lawyer and the first half hour will be free.

The number is:

204-943-2305 or toll free 1-800-262-8800

Let me know if you need any further clarification.