I am a primary parent of a 12 year old boy. I have had a timultuous relationship with my ex-husband who seems determined to get revenge on me and has used him to cause a lot of pain in my life. My son has told me he wants to live with his father. I have tried counseling... even the couselor has commented on how difficult his father and he are being.
I have an opportunity to go to New Zealand in the spring possibly but I am worried about getting into a custody, and child support battle. If my son wants to be with his dad and apparently wants nothing to do with me, what are MY rights?

ANY question on law needs to include your general locale as laws vary by area.

While at 12 it is unlikely the courts will give much weight to his preference, if the father has been an active participant in his son's life I don't see this happening. I doubt if a court will allow you to change the visitation that currently exists for a move like this.

I apologize, I should have mentioned that I am in Pinellas County FL, and I am contemplating letting him stay with his Father while I am in New Zealand.

You can offer a modification allowing the change in custody, with the provision that when you return custody can be revisited.

That is very helpful thank you.