What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? AZ
Background Information: Divorced in 2005, mother basically left for someone else leaving me with our two children. I have physical custody of my daughter age 12 and son age 9. There was no established visitation order in 2005. I was flexible with the mother picking up the kids when she was able to see them [on average every other weekend]. Mom and the boyfriend move about 2 or 3x a year and in and out of work which makes it difficult for her to see the kids. She just had another son a few years ago.
In October of 2009, my ex moved out of state to Tacoma, Washington and is now engaged. The kids and I were informed of the move a couple days in advance. I decided to rush to get a visitation schedule some kind before she left. It was too late but eventually she was able to participate in court via telephone to reach a visitation agreement for the kids. She agreed to cover transportation expenses for summers and spring break and alternating Christmas holidays.
Last summer, son and daughter went to visit for a month. Overall, it seemed like a good visit. Our daughter did complain about always being stuck at home babysitting for her brother and new half brother. Both said, Mom was going to have them live with her year round and I would only travel to Washington to see them. When I heard that I decided to ask my ex why she would say that. She told me when she gets married the court would give the kids to her because I am a single parent. I didn't continue the conversation because it was ridiculous.
The kids recently returned from Tacoma. After a couple days had passed, my oldest one was worried that she is going to have to change schools to live with mom and leave her brother behind. I realized the Mom and new husband are still bothering the kids about moving to Tacoma. However, sometimes the kids do tell me once in a while they missed mom and wonder if they should move there. Other days, it's "no way, I don't want to live with mom." The kids are confusing me too. I change the subject when the kids bring it up because they are not moving and don't want to say the wrong thing.
Questions: I'm concerned about my kids emotional state and confusion by their mother. Is there anything legally, I can do to stop their mother from continuing to pressure the kids about moving?
The mother stated she already filed papers in Washington state to have the kids in her custody. Can that really be done? Especially, since I already have custody in Arizona?
If we return to court is it simple as asking the child who they want to live with? I can see them changing their mind every month.
I would have a hard time seeing them leave after they lived with me since they were born. I am always doing the best I possibly can without any support from their mother. They are doing so well in school, sports and band. I have been the sole provider since the divorce and my ex has never paid a dime to help with anything. Would the court or anyone listen to my opinions about what I believe is best for the children?
Background Information: Divorced in 2005, mother basically left for someone else leaving me with our two children. I have physical custody of my daughter age 12 and son age 9. There was no established visitation order in 2005. I was flexible with the mother picking up the kids when she was able to see them [on average every other weekend]. Mom and the boyfriend move about 2 or 3x a year and in and out of work which makes it difficult for her to see the kids. She just had another son a few years ago.
In October of 2009, my ex moved out of state to Tacoma, Washington and is now engaged. The kids and I were informed of the move a couple days in advance. I decided to rush to get a visitation schedule some kind before she left. It was too late but eventually she was able to participate in court via telephone to reach a visitation agreement for the kids. She agreed to cover transportation expenses for summers and spring break and alternating Christmas holidays.
Last summer, son and daughter went to visit for a month. Overall, it seemed like a good visit. Our daughter did complain about always being stuck at home babysitting for her brother and new half brother. Both said, Mom was going to have them live with her year round and I would only travel to Washington to see them. When I heard that I decided to ask my ex why she would say that. She told me when she gets married the court would give the kids to her because I am a single parent. I didn't continue the conversation because it was ridiculous.
The kids recently returned from Tacoma. After a couple days had passed, my oldest one was worried that she is going to have to change schools to live with mom and leave her brother behind. I realized the Mom and new husband are still bothering the kids about moving to Tacoma. However, sometimes the kids do tell me once in a while they missed mom and wonder if they should move there. Other days, it's "no way, I don't want to live with mom." The kids are confusing me too. I change the subject when the kids bring it up because they are not moving and don't want to say the wrong thing.
Questions: I'm concerned about my kids emotional state and confusion by their mother. Is there anything legally, I can do to stop their mother from continuing to pressure the kids about moving?
The mother stated she already filed papers in Washington state to have the kids in her custody. Can that really be done? Especially, since I already have custody in Arizona?
If we return to court is it simple as asking the child who they want to live with? I can see them changing their mind every month.
I would have a hard time seeing them leave after they lived with me since they were born. I am always doing the best I possibly can without any support from their mother. They are doing so well in school, sports and band. I have been the sole provider since the divorce and my ex has never paid a dime to help with anything. Would the court or anyone listen to my opinions about what I believe is best for the children?