I am 16 and I live in Oregon. My dad has custody of me and I don't want to live with him. I want to live with my mom. My dad tells me I don't have the right to choose then my mom tells me that I do. My dad doesn't hit me or anything like that. He yells and has threatened to hit me but never has. I can't take it here.. what do I do?

Minors are not allowed to choose with whom they wish to live.

A judge may speak with minor children about issues such as school, neighborhood, friends and so forth to learn more about the minor child's/children's current situation.

The final decision of custody is based on the best interest of the child/children and not on the preference of any of the involved parties.

Children are not allowed to have the final say in where or who they live with. The court does indeed consider the feelings, opinions, and request of a child. The wishes of a child usually is a significant part in a judge's decision in awarding custody.

Possibly, some children are very mature and capable of making such a decision. The final outcome however would depend upon the presiding family court judge. Involved parties would give testimony, the child would be interviewed by a social worker and possibly the judge, and then a decision would be rendered.

Hello I:

You cannot choose, as has been explained by the above post. However, as noted, the judge will be interested in what you have to say. So, you need to get in front of a judge. Have your mom petition the court for a modification of custody. Then you can have your say.

excon

Well by now and having read those answers I guess you understand that life is not fair all the time. I know you want to be able to do what you want, but the courts don't see it. If you want to go and live with the parent that does not custody you have to get them to file for custody in court. The judge will listen to what you want, but will also listen to each of the parent and view any evidence. The judge then decides who he things would be best for you to live with.
This process can take months and 1000's of dollars.

Now I understand why so many children run away in Oregon.

You understand why children run away? Amazing, in a single discussion you have solved a problem that has plagued law officials, psychologist, and parents for decades. Seems to me that what your deduction has concluded is that the solution to the runaway epidemic is to give minors what they want without concern or consideration for their best interest. Think before you speak. There are good reasons the courts don't allow a minor to make the choice. The fact is that even the best, and brightest child is going to go to the home with the easiest life style which is by no means the same as the best life style.