Custody of my 15 year old?

[oakley]

My 15 year old currently lives with his mother in another part of the city. He is MUCH older than his siblings, and is now finding himself in a lot of trouble, not only in school, but now with the law. We have talked about him moving in with me, and I have had friends tell me that since he is 15, he can just tell his mom that he wants to stay with me. We live in Texas, and I know I have to consult with a family lawyer which I am planning to do.. just wanting some advice from someone who may know out there the particular laws concerning this. My ex and I have joint custody, and I have a very stable home enviroment. This is not about her being a bad mother, but actually saying 'its time for me to parent'. He has expressed his wishes to come live with me..

advice??

[arrigo]

It's so hard to get custody of a child... taking some one form their mother is super hard.
But he is 15? Shouldn't he be able to choose for himself?

[drystan]

He has the right to request to move. However, if she objects the Court will make the decision as to whether or not that is in his best interest.

[iomar]

Time for you to get him under control, whether you take him in or not. You need to read the hard facts of life to him, like the reality of prison life, the reality of poverty if he doesn't work or work out, the reality of despair with his life if he keeps messing it up. Give him some hard reality and don't be babying him, then show him how to be the man he needs to be in the world to get the job, the family, the respect he needs to be the right kind of guy. Also, and most importantly, get God in your life and his. When you know God, your spiritual Father, then pray about your life, God can help you live a better life. As God is love, life is primarily about love and relationships in order to have a rich and full life. Also, you need to know God's Son, Jesus Christ, in your life as your Lord and Savior as Jesus died on the cross as payment for our sins. Having Him with you will give you God's blessing and forgiveness, as you live God's way. We need to know and follow God in this life so we can go to heaven after we die, and so we can get God's help now. Not following God leads to hell, eternal suffering. Instead, there is an important prayer to pray to become a born again Christian. This prayer should be said with faith in God and a sincere heart:
"Dear God, I know that I am a sinful person and I don't want to be like this anymore. I know that Jesus Christ died on the cross as payment for our sins, and I want to accept Jesus Christ into my life as my Lord and Savior forever so I can receive God's forgiveness, guidance, and go to heaven after I die. Thank you, dear God, for your mercy and guidance; in Jesus' name. Amen."
After saying this prayer, you should check out a Christian church like Baptist, Catholic, Lutheran.
Also, get into their Bible study group so you can learn more about God, Jesus, and God's will for your life. The Bible is God's instruction book about how to live a God-honoring life so you can go to heaven after you die. The church can also get you baptized and prayed for. You can pray for yourself daily too. God guide your life.