My daughter is 13 years old and does not get along with her mom and step dad who currentlyhave custody of her. I am her father and she wants to come live with me and attend the same high school that I did. I don't have a criminal record and have a safe living environment for her to come to. Her mother doesn't want her to move out. How important. How are cares of this nature usually handled in court?

You need to go to court and petition for a change of custody. In the hearing the judge may consult with your daughter to see what she wants. I would get a lawyer because if this is not agreed upon by both parents, it's a tough, uphill battle.

The judge ultimately decides what is best for the child. If the girl has a Legitiment reason for not wanting to be there (so unhappy that its causing depression, not safe ect) the judge may agree. However if she is simply saying something like 'they don't let me do anything' and is trying to see if YOU will let her do what she wants, the judge won't go for it