ok people...how old do children in the state of GA have to be to choose where they want to live?

Question

16 year old male...lives with mom in GA...mom beats ....wants to live in TX with father....trying to prevent issues with mother...can child do this?

Answer 1

Are you folks really sure about this? I am aware that such myths exist all over the nation, but almost all states simply do not let a child "choose" where to live. Yes, I did considerable legal research on this and other divorce issues in the 80's.

I would read an appellate ruling stating that the judge in all cases needed to look at all the issues, rather than simply letting a child of any age decide where to live. there have been too many cases where parents offer all sorts of bribes and other bad things that are contrary to a child's best interest, for example to avoid paying child support, so it is as a general rule necessary to make sure this isn't happening.

And, though I was reading the actual court rulings, many well-meaning people told me I was wrong and stupid, that at a certain age a child could simply decide where he/she was going to live, and the court would be forced to honor it. They were absolutely positive of this, as totally wrong as they were.

So, as is usually the case in legal questions, you need to see an attorney -- or find which court reporter covers Georgia, and look up the court rulings on this issue. It is highly unlikely that MOST people on Yahoo Answers have done so much as one word of legal research in their life, or even know how.

Answer 2

Not sure in GA but usually most of the time its either 12 or 14... and if the child is being "beaten" why arent u just calling the cops on her, as the father u'd automatically be given temporary custody of her if she in fact is "really" beating him..

Answer 3

Yep. You only have to be 13. After that, you can live with whom ever you please and there is nothing that the parent can do legally.