princess1017
Junior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Washington. (possibly Idaho)
I am seventeen years old, my husband is nineteen, and our daughter is just over three weeks old. We were married in Coeur D'Alene, ID, with the help of my mother, in March. I married my husband because I was living with my dad, and he did not provide a safe environment for me especially being pregnant, and he also made me feel sexually uncomfortable when he drank, which was often. And, of course, because at the time I was in love with my husband. I thought, and so did my mother, that getting married would be better, but that turned out to be incorrect. He is showing controlling behavior and my friends and step dad are convinced that our relationship will eventually turn physically abusive, as it is already emotionally abusive. I recently found out he has been unfaithful, and I want a divorce. However, I am only seventeen, and even though my marriage to him emancipated me, I understand that I am still considered a minor in some instanses, and I fear that may hinder my pursuit in gaining custody of my daughter. From what I have heard from my friends and relatives, Washington State usually grants custody to the mother. But what if the mother is under the age of eighteen and the father is over it? I am also concerned that his parents may try to get custody, although I doubt this is possible, but I want to be sure, can they? My husband tells me that his parents will do everything in their power to help him gain custody of my daughter. What could they possibly do and would it even work?
More questions: Where in Spokane can I seek free consultation concerning this subject? What are some resources (websites) that I can visit that can educate me on the process of divorce and custody? Because we were married in Idaho, must we file for divorce there as well or can we file in Washington State, where we reside?
I am seventeen years old, my husband is nineteen, and our daughter is just over three weeks old. We were married in Coeur D'Alene, ID, with the help of my mother, in March. I married my husband because I was living with my dad, and he did not provide a safe environment for me especially being pregnant, and he also made me feel sexually uncomfortable when he drank, which was often. And, of course, because at the time I was in love with my husband. I thought, and so did my mother, that getting married would be better, but that turned out to be incorrect. He is showing controlling behavior and my friends and step dad are convinced that our relationship will eventually turn physically abusive, as it is already emotionally abusive. I recently found out he has been unfaithful, and I want a divorce. However, I am only seventeen, and even though my marriage to him emancipated me, I understand that I am still considered a minor in some instanses, and I fear that may hinder my pursuit in gaining custody of my daughter. From what I have heard from my friends and relatives, Washington State usually grants custody to the mother. But what if the mother is under the age of eighteen and the father is over it? I am also concerned that his parents may try to get custody, although I doubt this is possible, but I want to be sure, can they? My husband tells me that his parents will do everything in their power to help him gain custody of my daughter. What could they possibly do and would it even work?
More questions: Where in Spokane can I seek free consultation concerning this subject? What are some resources (websites) that I can visit that can educate me on the process of divorce and custody? Because we were married in Idaho, must we file for divorce there as well or can we file in Washington State, where we reside?