From another list. If anyone can advise please contact him direct

Subject:. custody change?
From: "Dave" <toon_sleeve@yahoo.com>
Date: Wed Jan 21, 2009 12:11 am (PST)

I am a non custodial father and my son, now 14, has decided that he wants to live with me.

The problem is his mother says no. I have talked to her and told her that I'm not trying to take anything from her but only want my son to be happy.

I work full time and always have. I have a nice average home and pay my support.

My son has also talked to his mother and told her his wishes and all he gets is "you might as well stick a knife in mommys heart!"

Talk about a guilt trip; only she pulled this crap on my daughter 8 years ago so he isn't buying it.

She says the money doesn't matter but the new husband is lazy with NO job - professional hunter and fisherman. They have a daughter together and she is constantly griping to the kids about how much of a loser their dad is and he doesn't pay nearly enough.

I pay $720 a month for my 2 children, and it comes out of my paycheck before I even see it, so my not paying or not paying on time is not an issue.

I have talked to attorneys and $3,000 is what I need to obtain one. That's the whole bill to fight for my children.

My daughter isn't sure what she wants but my son is 100 % sure and has been thinking about this for two years.

Here in Indiana when a child reaches 14 he/she has a say so but I need the power of an attorney to fight hers.

Please someone let me know what you think about this as my son feels like a stranger in his mother and step-father's house and it's killing me to hear how miserable he is when we talk on the phone.

There are several reasons he wants to be here. He misses his dad, they don't and haven't been supportive in his sports - ie... don't buy his equipment or gear so I do - don't show up for even home games and they are only 5 miles from school and yes his grades are slipping from a-b student
to c-d's.

Thank you all for your awesome support of all the non custodial parents out there and God bless you.

Desperate Dad,

Dave