When a minor child is 12 yrs of age, do they have a right to which parent they want to live with?

Question

I don't think so, but I've been hearing things from my parents re: this. Just because one parent makes more $$ and a newer house should that make any difference? I don't think a minor can make such a decision until perhaps they reach 18 yrs. Does anyone know for sure??

Answer 1

In Wisconsin the age is 14, not sure if it varies from state to state.

Answer 2

It really depends on several things, including the laws of the state that you live in. In Texas, courts believe that at age 12, a child is old enough for his or opinion to be heard. The judge can still overrule, depending on many things such as financial and emotional well being of the child, but his or her opinion is strongly considered by the judge.

Answer 3

A child has the right to say who they prefer to
live with but when it's taken to the court the
judge usually makes the decision based on the
childs age, intelligence of what he or she really
wants and the availability of support from the
parents. If both can support the child and de-
pending the age limit in the state one lives in
the judge can overrule the childs wishes.

Answer 4

I looked into this for my husband who has a 12 yr old. According to his lawyer they can make there decision at 13 in front of a judge.

Answer 5

it is 14 years old in most states unless they have mental disabilities then it is pretty much up to the judge on that one..... The judge will decide which parent is the best...... and in some cases the judge will Deni the request of the child depending on the living situations of the parents........ ex... income, security,environment things like that.

Answer 6

A minor child can decide where to live at a certain age, but that varies from state to state. In Iowa, it's 13.

Answer 7

13 is the magic age for a minor to decide who he/she wants to live with as long as the parent is fit and the court feels the living situation is safe for you. But you need to make sure you are sure you want to live with the other parent.

Answer 8

The court often considers the feelings of the child but the disparity in income can be resolved with child support payments so the court should decide based on environment, parenting skills and other factors.

If you are the kid, don't let them burden you with this decision. They decided to split. They have to fix their mess.

Many families do one week at mom one week at dad.

Answer 9

It depends where you live but, yes at certain age you are able to make this decision It is 12 where I live. This can be awful my bonus daughter(step daughter but I consider her the special bonus I got when I met her dad) is sitting in foster care because she doesn't know us well enough to live with us (her choice). We went through tons of classes and were approved to be foster parents to be approved to have her but,she made the choice not to come.

Answer 10

What state are you located in? I live in Mississippi, and yes at 12 a xhild can decide. In fact it is only the child that can decide, unless one parent is proven unfit or if one parents have no rights. If you have joint custody,or if one has majority, it still becomes up to child who they choose to live with

Answer 11

I know that it is hard when you split from someone you have children with. But i would say let the child say where they want to live. Money isn't everything the child will see very quick when they need someone and they are working but the other parent is always there for them. I would let them choose even though it would kill you.