Do kids have the right to choose where they live if their parents get divorced?

Answer 1

Usually the judge gives the child a choice if both parents are deemed suitable! My husband was given the choice at 7!

Answer 2

No. Sorry. Judges debate between themselves whether or not they should talk to the children and whether or not the children have any choice in the decisions. In some judicial districts, judges send people who want a divorce to mediation. In mediation, the parties meet with a neutral, third-party mediator to help them make decisions without hostility. A very important decision is where the children will live and who will pay support. It could make the whole process a bit easier if the parties are willing to participate in mediation. Divorce is always hard on the kids. Check out books about divorce at your local library. Most books will be for adults who want to get a divorce, but there are some written from a kid's point of view. Ask your librarian. You could try to contact the judge on your own. Your chances of the judge agreeing to see you will be slim, but you'll never know unless you try. Go in person, don't rely on the phone. You might get no further than the judge's assistant, but that could be a lot better than no contact whatsoever.

Answer 3

Actually it is a common myth that children of minority are allowed to choose where they will live.
It is up to many fators including, the child's age and maturity, the child's awaremess of their own needs, any previous stipulations and orders, the parents themselves, the judge or commisioner, the county mediators and in extreme circumstances professional custody evaluators.
If decisions cannot be reached out of court with all of these resources, the trial judge will make the determinination.
There is no age at which the law says a minor child can determine where they will or will not live.

Answer 4

Some times.

Answer 5

After a certain age, they usually can. If both parents are good parents and want the best for their children, they should try find a way to share custody so the kids don't feel like they have to choose.

Answer 6

No, i think the parent that promises the most puppies and ponies should get the kid.

Seriously, tho...kids can choose, but it's a legal thing that varies from state to state. Talk to a divorce attourney.

Answer 7

Unfortunately, I think it's all about what works out best for the parents schedule and how the courts decided custody when they got the divorce.

Answer 8

The court gets to decide. That's because it's hard to prove that kids are not coached or pressured to choose. In their late teens, they can choose but still needs one parent (say father) to petition to the court and with the mother consent to make it legal.

Answer 9

Yes it is there life and just because their parents chose to suffer that doesnt mean that they have to as well. Life sould be made easier for them during this time. So it would be right to let them decide and without the pressure of the parents on their shoulders.

Answer 10

Each state is different. In my state at the age of 14 the judge will take into consideration what the child wants. But ultimately the judge still decides.