how old does a child have to be before he can choose who he wants to live with, mom, dad, grandparents?

Question

i have a grandson that wants to live with me he is 12 years old and no longer wants to live at home, does he even have any rights at this age?

Answer 1

depends on the state . mine is 13 but since you are the grandparent get a lawyer for him he can't just decided to leave his parents unless they are abusive to him.

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

12 or 13

Answer 4

If this were a separated and divorced mother and dad the court may give some weight to whom the kid would prefer living with and then it isn't written in stone which the court decides upon . However this doesn't apply to grandparents assuming custody unless both parents would agree or something can be proven unhealthy for the child in his home life . Aside from that the kid really has no rights but what the parents choose to give him.

Answer 5

I doubt the court would allow him to make such a choice.

A friend's ex recently sued for custody of the older of their two children. The boy was 15 or 16, and the father thought all the boy had to do was tell the court he wanted to live with him. He was wrong. The judge considered the boy's testimony, but the burden of proof was on the father to prove he could provide substantially better for the child. The judge ruled against the father without my friend's lawyer even having to present.

Many attorneys offer an inexpensive consultation to help you determine if you wish to proceed legally. Chances are, you will be required to prove his parents ill-fit for the job.

Answer 6

I think it depends on what state you live in. But sometimes, even the parents are exasperated when things aren't working, and are willing to give a little. Have you tried just asking them if he can live with you? Much easier and cheaper without having to get into an ugly legal battle.

You might also try giving the local DCS/DFS office a call and ask them (anonymously, of course, unless there's something illegal going on at home you need to report).

Answer 7

it depends on where you live you can call your local children and family services department they can give you an answer. In the case of foster children they can not be forced out of a home at the age of 14 so it is probably the same with custody. Most importantly do it legally do not let him run away and stay with you this will not bode well in the courts.

Answer 8

The "age of reason"... 12 to 14 depending on where you live. Most states it is 13.

Answer 9

I think unless he is being abused or neglected he does not have the right to choose to live with a grandparent over his biological parents.

Alot of kids at this age rebel and in your case maybe he wants to move in with you because you are not as strict.

Kids at this age generally do not have much, if any at all, say where they want to live..

Good luck...

Answer 10

unfourtntaly, he cannot decide on whom he would like to live with at the age of 12. he needs to be 18 years old, legally, unless he moves in with you and neither one of his parents have a problem with it...because at that point, its consent from his mom and dad...now however, if his parents dont want him to move out, YOU could get in trouble legally, if they decide to take legal action. also, even if your grandson proclaims outloud that he wants to live with you, he is at a young, tender age, that the law does not look twice at. UNLESS< he is being abused, molested, or his life is threatened in any way while he is at home, you need proof, but it can be possible

Answer 11

In GA, it is 13 but with a good family lawyer anything is possible. I think the courts will take into consideration feedback from a child 10 or over