[KitKatKassi]

My mom lives in Mexicali, and she says it's a good place to live. She says there is little crime there. One of my half brothers is 2, the other is 7. I am 14. Again, I don't ask for much. Food, water, shelter, and clothes are all I need.

[Wondergirl]

Food, water, shelter, and clothes are all I need.

And those all cost money. Plus there will be expenses you haven't thought of and others that will come up.

Check out the situation thoroughly and don't let your emotions take over. Like smoothy mentioned, "the grass is always greener...."

Mexicali isn't the best place to move to, according to my research --

Once, border cities like Mexicali (population 700,000) were flooded with newcomers trying to go north. Today, they are filling with obstinate deportees, cut off from U.S.-born children, jobs and car payments, adrift in a kind of stateless purgatory that is beyond the United States but not really in Mexico either. They face a U.S. border that is tougher and more expensive to cross than ever. http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/...c97_story.html

Cost of living -- http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living...&city=Mexicali

[KitKatKassi]

Like I said before, the grass IS greener on the other side. And second of all, I don't grow much, I don't eat much, sleeping has no cost, and water isn't a big problem.

[ScottGem]

Like I said before, the grass IS greener on the other side.

You said this before, but do you understand the meaning of that phrase. It means that things often LOOK better on the other side, but aren't always. So living with your mom may seem like it will be better, but it may be different if you actually so it.

But, as noted, your situation is complicated by the fact that mom lives in another country. You will not be allowed across the border without a parent accompanying you. So running away is not a real option. Not that I would condone it, even if it were.

If dad is physically abusing you, then you need to report it to a guidance counselor at school or a clergyman or other responsible adult. If an investigation shows the abuse, then it might smooth the way for mom to take custody. And your mom saying there are no court papers is not reliable. Since it appears she left and went back to Mexico, your father may have been awarded custody by default.

At 14 a court will listen to your preference. So if mom hires an attorney in NC to file for custody, the court will listen to what you want, but the court will make the decision based on what it feels is in your best interests.

[Wondergirl]

Like I said before, the grass IS greener on the other side. And second of all, I don't grow much, I don't eat much, sleeping has no cost, and water isn't a big problem.

But you have personal needs, you will need a bed and linens/blankets, you will need new shoes from time to time, plus clothes, water and food have to be paid for. Will you have your own room? Will you have to babysit your step sibs (for free)?

Ask your dad how much he spends on your personal maintenance and upkeep in a month's time.

[KitKatKassi]

My mom has always lived in Mexico, she only visits the States. And she has bought a house, 3 rooms. I could have a room, my half bros another room, and my mom one for herself. Room problem solved. I don't mind watching my half bros. Besides, I think they get babysitted by my grandma.

[AK lawyer]

OP failed to answer whether she was born in the US. If not, she might be advised to stay here. The current regime in Washington is encouraging illegal immigration by (and subsequent "pathways to citizenship" for) children in such circumstances. Future administrations and laws might not be so hospitable. Thus, if OP was not born in the US she might not be able to return in the future.

[KitKatKassi]

Who is OP?

[Cat1864]

Who is OP?

The person who asked the question. OP is Original Poster. In this case, you.

[KitKatKassi]

Oh, thanks. I was born in California, AK lawyer

[ScottGem]

Oh, thanks. I was born in California, AK lawyer

I assume you have a birth certificate to prove it. But the problem remains. Especially since you would be an US citizen, you can't travel outside the country without a parent's permission. You can't stay in Mexico without their government's approval. So the bottom line here is this has to be done legally through the courts.

[KitKatKassi]

Crap. I have to tell my mom this.

[KitKatKassi]

Thank you everyone. You random people have helped me.