Documenting Past Neglect Evidence

Summary

In California, minors can present evidence of past neglect in custody cases. Courts prioritize the childs best interest, considering living conditions, verbal abuse, and preferences. Temporary custody with a preferred guardian may be possible through an ex parte application in urgent circumstances. Consult local legal aid for guidance.

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My dad pretty much abandoned my older siblings I'm the youngest but he didn't raise any of them

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. In California:
- Child's best interest is paramount in custody decisions.
- Past neglect can be relevant.
- A guardian ad litem or attorney can represent you.
Seek legal advice for the best course of action.

The reasons i want to leave and live with my grandma are because I'm unhappy here, my dad doesn't take the best care of me(he doesn't know how to be a dad) ,my dad and his mom verbally abuse me and i know my grandma will take better care of me i am also pretty much isolated and i have ro share a room with my dad mind you I'm a girl and there is an extra room

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. In California:
- A minor can express a custody preference.
- Verbal abuse and living conditions are considered in custody decisions.
- A court can change custody if it's in the child's best interest.
Please consult with a local family law attorney.

I also have a lot of allegations against my dad so I'm pretty sure that will help and some people said they'll write character references

That's great! Character references can help strengthen your case. Just ensure they're from credible individuals who know your situation well. Also, document all instances of neglect or abuse, they'll be important in court. Consult a local attorney for accurate guidance.

I also feel uncomfortable here

I'm sorry to hear that. In California, courts take your comfort and safety seriously. Gather all evidence of discomfort and abuse. An attorney can guide you on how to present this in court.

I have text between a crisis number(me telling them how uncomfortable,sad and lonley i am here)

I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling this way. In California, such evidence can help illustrate your living conditions. It's crucial to save these texts and show them to a legal professional. Have you already contacted a local attorney to discuss your case?

I actually don't think we are going to get an attorney

I understand. Even without an attorney, you can still present your case. You might want to consider contacting your local family court or legal aid society for guidance. Would you like information on these resources in your area?

Yes please

Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles - Family Law Division

Phone: (*) *-*
Address: * N Hill St, Los Angeles, CA *
Website: www.lacourt.org/division/familylaw/familylaw.aspx

Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles

Phone: (*) *-*
Address: * W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA *
Website: www.lafla.org

Oh all of this is going to take place in merced california

I see. In that case, would you like the contact details for the relevant family court and legal aid services in Merced, California?

Yes please sorry about that

Merced County Superior Court

Phone:(*) *-*
Address: * W 21st St, Merced, CA *
Website: www.mercedcourt.org

Central California Legal Services - Merced Office

Phone: (*) *-*
Address: * N St # *, Merced, CA *
Website: www.centralcallegal.org

My dad gets upset because i like my family(my moms side) better than his side of the family and he threatenes to take me away from my family if i don't socialize with his but i don't like gis family and he is trying to force me to like them

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. In California, courts take into account a child's preference, especially for older children. Your feelings towards each side of your family may be considered. You should share these details with your family court or legal aid society.

I like my sid eof the family better my moms side because they are fun and outgoing and are always doing something my dads family are the complete opposite i find them boring i feel like i cant even be myself around them i get uncomfortable around them

I'm sorry you're going through this. It's important that you feel comfortable and safe. In California, courts take these feelings into account when deciding custody. Be sure to share these feelings with the court or your legal aid representative.

I also hate how over protective my dad is of me he treats me like I'm a little kid

I understand your frustration. In California, a child's feelings and experiences are considered in custody matters. If you believe your father's behavior is negatively impacting you, it's crucial to communicate this to the court or your legal aid representative.

And i don't want to graduate from school early because i go to independent studies i am graduating next year and i don't want to and he asked why and i said i don't even know what I'm going to do when i graduate and he said work like everyone else

It sounds like you're feeling a lot of pressure about your future. In California, your education and your preferences can be relevant in custody decisions. Have you discussed your educational goals with the court or a legal aid representative?

No i haven't my grandma and i haven't even filed the petition

I see. If you're planning to file a petition for custody in California, consider these steps:
- Gather all relevant evidence
- Document your feelings and experiences
- Secure character references
- Contact Merced County Superior Court or Central California Legal Services for guidance on filing a petition.

I also feel like independent studies is negatively affecting me i am forgetting how to do math and everything because I'm not doing it everyday like at a regular school i mentioned going to public school because it would be good for me educationally and i wouldn't be isolated i would have other people to talk to but my dad said no

I'm sorry you're feeling this way. Your educational needs and preferences are important in custody decisions in California. Include these concerns when you file your petition. It's crucial to express how your current living situation is affecting your education.

I just hate it here I'm constantly sad and stressed

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.

Also my dad wakes me up a lot when I'm asleep because we have to share a room last night when he was getting ready for work he woke me up because he was tapping his foot against my bed

I understand this is a difficult situation for you. In California, your living conditions are taken into account during custody decisions. Have you documented these instances to present to the court when filing your petition?

No i just have pictures of us having to share a room

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. In California, this evidence can be useful. It's important to show the court all aspects of your living conditions. Do you have any other questions or is there anything else you'd like to know?

Can i choose if i want to stay with my grandma until the trial? I feel more safe with her

In California, a minor's preference is considered in custody cases. If you feel safe with your grandma, you can express this to the court. However, the final decision rests with the court, prioritizing your best interest.

Can i temporary stay with her until the trial? Because i feel more safe around her

In California, temporary orders for custody may be possible before a trial. However, a petition needs to be filed with the court first. It's crucial to convey your feelings of safety with your grandma to the court. Please consult with legal aid or the court directly for the next steps.

What is an ex parte?

An ex parte is a legal proceeding brought by one person in the absence of and without representation or notification to the other party. In California, an ex parte application can be used to request temporary orders in urgent circumstances. Consult with a legal aid or the court for further guidance.

What are considered urgent circumstances?

In California, urgent circumstances that may warrant an ex parte application can include:
- Immediate harm to the child
- Immediate risk that the child will be removed from the state
- Other similar circumstances requiring immediate court attention
Contact an attorney or legal aid for more context-specific advice.

What is immediate harm to the child?

In California, immediate harm can be physical or emotional harm that would likely occur if the current situation isn't immediately changed. This could include abuse, neglect, or threats to a child's safety. Always consult with a legal professional for precise advice.