My 13 year old daughter lives with her father and step mother in a verbally abusive and mentally straining environment. Dhs has been notified about the abuse and some physical abuse but will not help due to the lack permanent damage mentally or marks left less than 48 hours. My daughters behavior reflects her situation I have been unable to get help when I have asked. She desperatley wants to live with her stepfather and I full time but I can't afford a lawyer and a battle.I can on the other hand provide for her better than her father. Is there a way for me to write a letter to a judge or someone on my own to to change custody. My daughter says she will write anything she needs to as well, we just don't know what to do or where to start.

If you are going to make accusations in court... you better be able to prove it, and not just by your own word or it will backfire on you.. . its an uphill battle and will be even harder without a lawyer.

You have to file a petition in court to modify the custody order. I suggest you go to a para legal to prepare the paperwork. A simple letter won't do anything you have to prove that the father is a danger and that you are a better choice.