Conference quokka::non_custodial_parents

    I take it you live here and she lives in Canada? That's gonna be a
    tough nut to crack! How do the laws read in Canada relating to
    jurisdiction? Are they similar to here? Do you know of any provisions
    for legal representation for a minor? It's been going on for a while
    here in the States so there must be a way to get your sons interest
    represented (short of getting a guardian ad litem here in the US, and
    which more often then not is a waste of money and time, most of the
    time!). I think we here in NCP need alittle more info to get a handle
    on potential solutions. IMO
    					Dan D

    
    He might try checking with the Social/Human/Welfare Services people
    if there are any.  If he is indeed under the age limit, he'll probably
    have to have some reason for wanting the change other than  "I don't
    like the way I'm being treated".
    
    fred();

re: .1,

Both parties in Ontario, Canada (1 hour drive apart)

Fred,

I agree, the child must have better reasons than a dislike for the EXs' live 
in. Unfortunately at 9 years old, they do not see things the way the system 
would look at it. He just feels unhappy with his present situation and wants 
the NCP parent over the CP.

If the EXs' live in abuses him in any way, then you have something to work 
with, but there is no indication or mention of this occurring by him.

His only option may be to wait out the two years and then jump ship no 
questions asked.

John

    Get into the library and do some research, or ask an attourney friend
    if they've ever heard of such a case, and if so, check out that case in
    your local law library (if you folks have access to such a thing up
    theya in "the great white north!). There's been a few cases here in the
    states where a minor has gotten their own legal representation but I
    can't remember all the details of how this was done (i.e the case in
    Fla where the teenage girl wanted to stay with her adoptive dad vs
    going with her bio parents). Just some ideas!
    					Dan D

    If anyone can get an internet account, either thru dec or going thru 
    American, or Compuserve. There is a world of info!! I just go into
    a law libary via internet! I am impressed. There is family law in there
    too. And thats the best for the moment.
    
    

    A co-worker of mine sued for a change of custody for his 13 yr old son 
    when the son said he wanted to live with dad.  The custodial mom had 
    moved to Florida and dad lived in New England where the divorce took place.
    After my friend spent 2000+ dollars the son decided to change his mind
    and the suit was dropped. My friend, the dad and his second wife 
    have very little money so the suit caused a hardship on them not to
    mention the custodial mom in Florida.   
    Morale of the story is to make sure your son is absolutely positive
    he wants to live with Dad. 
    My two precious children were moved 200
    miles away by a very inconsiderate custodial mom.  I would give 
    anything to see my two boys more than two weekends/month.
    Hope the next generation deals with these issues better than we have!
    
                                Good luck!
                                Bill Perry

I have no plans to go for custody personally, one it is too expensive to 
begin with and second, if my son is determined enough, her is able to get 
free legal counsel of his own since he is a minor. Third, the ex would fight 
tooth and nail to prevent it.

However, once he is 12, the ex could do little if he initiates and jumps ship 
on his own accord. I guess the biggest question we have is, where does he 
start? Who to contact first?

Still looking into the who/what/how/where.....

John

    As stated in other notes. In the USA, we can represent ourselves. It
    takes allot of work, and takes allot of scrotums (balls) to defend
    yourself in court. And you have to be 101% on the money to do so. And
    if you feel that there is good justifiable cause. Then do it. Go for
    it. The libaries are on line in many places. Like comuserve or america.
    There are local BB's about to like the Legal Beagle in Nashua.
    
    

    Most of the various law books that I have seen have a section on
    "family law" or "domestic law", and under that a section on custond,
    support, etc.  You usually don't have to do all that much reading,
    but you do have to interprit the "legaleese".  Also it can be 
    emorionally difficult, especially when you find out justhow
    badly you've been shafted.
    fred()

Fred,

Isn't that always the way, after the fact, you find out the real truth and 
realize you been given the short end of the stick. Makes you wonder after all 
the money you paid out what your lawyer really did for you and who's side 
they were really on here....

John

    
    You're right about the lawyers.  The one big advantage about going
    pro-se (pro say,  representing yourslf) is that you _do_ have you're
    best interest at hart.  Lawyers tend to forget that _they_ are working
    for _you_.
    
    fred();