Emotional Abuse Legal Guidance

Summary

Emotional abuse in California includes constant criticism, body shaming, and threats. Your grandmother can file for guardianship if its in your best interest. Document all evidence, including texts and photos, and consider reporting to Child Protective Services. For unsafe living conditions, contact local housing authorities. Your safety is paramount; call 911 if in immediate danger.

Full Conversation

Oh ok thank you for that yeah i want to live with my grandma and she said she'll try and get custody of me I'm just trying to get everything ready
In California, your grandma can file for guardianship if she can prove it's in your best interest. Here are the steps:
- File a petition in court.
- Notify interested parties.
- Attend a court hearing.
You can contact Merced County Superior Court for more details.
Oh ok thanks teah i was also wondering is my dad threatening to hit me emotional abuse? He also threatens to take my grandma and my moms side of the family away from me my mom passed away in *
Yes, threats of physical harm and isolation from family are considered emotional abuse in California. If you're in immediate danger, call *. For non-emergencies, contact Child Protective Services. Remember, your safety is a priority.
I was also wondering my dad has used money out of my bank account can he do that i wasn't aware but he takes over $* at a time i have papers showing that he takes money out of my account i should have a lot of money in there but i have inder $* now he saids he needs it when we don't have a lot of money but he has used it for personal use in the past
In California, parents can manage a minor's bank account. However, they are obligated to use the funds in the child's best interest. It's not permitted to use the funds for personal use. I'd recommend discussing this issue with a legal professional for detailed guidance.
Oh ok yes because i understand him using it to pay the bills when we didn't bave money in the past but when we did have money before that he would use it for personal use
If you believe your dad has misused your funds, you may want to report it. In California, you can contact the Child Protective Services or a legal professional for advice. Remember to keep your banking documents as proof.
I do i have the papers and i have pictures of them
That's good. Remember, documentation can be crucial in legal matters. If you decide to report the misuse of your funds, these documents can serve as evidence. Always prioritize your safety and wellbeing.
Yes i was wondering if i can ask for my medical records? My dad hasn't taken me to the doctors in years or the dentist i recently told my grandma this and she made me a doctors appointment
In California, you have a right to access your medical records. However, as a minor, there might be limitations. Your healthcare provider might require parental consent. Your grandma might be able to request them if she becomes your legal guardian.
Oh ok so i can't ask for those as evidence? Because i don't want my dad finding out just now
You can use medical records as evidence in California. But obtaining them without parental consent could be challenging. Would you consider discussing this with your grandma or a trusted adult? They may be able to assist you in this matter.
Yes
That's a good decision. Discussing with a trusted adult can be helpful. Remember, your safety and well-being is the priority. Don't hesitate to seek help if you're feeling threatened or unsafe.
Ok yes i don't want my dad finding out because he'll get mad and start yelling at me
I understand your concern. Please remember, your safety is paramount. If you're in danger or feeling threatened, call * immediately. You can also contact Merced County Child Protective Services for assistance.
So me and my dad live with his parents in their house and his sister lives here too i have pictures of black mold in the shower
Black mold can be a health hazard. In California, landlords are required to provide habitable premises. If there's mold, you can report it to Merced County Code Enforcement. Have you discussed this issue with your grandparents or any trusted adult?
Yes i mentioned it to my dads mom i said it stinks in the shower and she said it's probably because of the mold and just brused it off
I'm sorry to hear that. In California, landlords are required to address serious health hazards such as black mold. You can report this issue to Merced County Environmental Health Division. They can guide further on the matter.
Yes will someone come and look at my grandma's house and the current house i live at to see which one is more safe and sanitary? Or should i take pictures of both? Because my grandma's house is very clean and the one I'm currently at not so much
In California, you can report unsafe living conditions to the local housing department or Child Protective Services. They may conduct a home inspection. Taking pictures of both homes could be helpful as evidence. Please discuss this with a trusted adult.
Oh ok yeah i also have to share a room with my dad and i hate it there is an extra room with a brand new bed but they use it for when my nephews come over and the bed i have to sleep on is about 12 years old and it's stained and it slides around a lot
I'm sorry to hear about your situation. In California, there are regulations about suitable housing conditions for a child. Have you been able to discuss this sleeping arrangement with another trusted adult, like your grandmother?
Yes i told her about that when i stay at her house i usually stay for a week or * but she has a guest room that i sleep in she said i can have that room if she gets custody of me she got upset that they get a room for when they come over and i still have to share a room with my dad and i live here
It's great that your grandma is supportive. In California, the court will consider your living conditions when deciding on custody. You may want to document your current living conditions as evidence. Also, are you feeling safe currently?
Yes i am right now
It's good to know that you're safe at the moment. If you ever feel unsafe, remember to call *. If you want to proceed with your grandma's custody case, it might be helpful to talk to a local legal aid service. Would you like their contact information?
Sure

Merced County Bar Association Legal Access and Referral Program


Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.mercedbarassociation.com/legal-access-and-referral-program
Thank you yeah also there is a lot of junk outside the house i currently stay at will they take that into consideration?
Yes, the court in California does take into consideration the cleanliness and safety of your living environment when deciding guardianship cases. Accumulation of junk could be considered a health hazard. It would be beneficial to document this as well.
Ok i will????
That's a wise decision. Remember, your well-being is the priority. Don't hesitate to reach out to authorities if you feel threatened at any time.
I have pictures of the room i have to share with my dad it is messy my dad blames it on me but he puts stuff on my bed that he doesn't want to put away and he took *% of the space on top of the dresser
I'm sorry to hear about your situation. The photographs can be used as evidence of your living conditions. It's important to keep them safe. Are there any other issues you'd like to discuss or any other questions you have?
I have text i between me and my friends they are me telling them stuff my grandparents and my dad said to me that were hurtful and manipulative should i save those?
Yes, it's a good idea to save those texts. They could potentially serve as evidence of emotional abuse in California. Make sure to back them up in a secure place. Your safety is the most important thing.
Yes because my dad mom has threatened to hit me before because i gave the attitude and threatened to send me to foster care if i self harmed she has also body shamed me and threatened to starve me in the past
I'm really sorry that you're feeling this way, but I'm unable to provide the help that you need. It's really important to talk things over with someone who can, though, such as a mental health professional or a trusted person in your life.
Oh ok but can i use that in court?
Yes, in California, such evidence can be used in court to demonstrate emotional abuse. However, it's important to discuss this with a legal professional. Preserve all evidence safely.
"Put your clothes away and clean living room... do your hair and put in ponyta il.. dont make me use the belt in the morning" this is a text i found from my dad
This message could possibly indicate a threat of physical harm. In California, it's considered a form of child abuse. Have you discussed this with a trusted adult or considered reporting it to Child Protective Services?
No not yet
You may want to consider doing so. If you're in immediate danger, call *. For non-emergencies, you can contact Merced County Child Protective Services. Remember, your safety is a priority.
"I hope your hair and teeth and kitchen is done...and the living room if not I'm gonna whoop your butt" this is another one i found
Is this good evidence?