2007-08-09 17:22:35 · 15 answers · asked by johnny s 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Marriage & Divorce
Johnny - I hate to be the one to break this to you, but that is not how it works...there is an age where a child's opinions may or may not be considered - it depends on the judge & how he or she feels about a child's voice. However, a child can not just choose and expect it to be automatically granted.
A lot gets taken into consideration as to the reasons why the child is asking, if the child is interviewed and it comes to be that the child just feels the custodial parent is too strict - then there is not going to be a change granted. If there are serious problems, then it will be considered.
There is a huge misconception that a child can just walk in and say "I want to live with...." and automatically, just because they are a certain age - it will happen. It is categorically - untrue. The ONLY way that happens, is if both parents agree to the change - if one objects (usually the current custodial parent) both parents have to testify - and THEIR testimony is considered over the child's...
Until a child is 18 years old, they are a minor, the court does not recognize a minor being able to know what is best for them. The older they get, the more they will be ale to express their feelings in a manner that is proper for the court, but that in no way gives them an "edge" to getting what they want.
2007-08-09 18:26:33 · answer #1 · answered by allrightythen 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It very much depends on the state you live in.
Most have set the age of 12 to have input on which parent you choose to live with.
Definitely check your local laws
2007-08-09 17:32:38 · answer #2 · answered by Michael H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think usually hear age 10. I know one girl that lived with her mother wanted to live with her dad but would not leave her sister who was only 7. This age may be different from state to state.
Your lawyer should know.
2007-08-09 17:29:30 · answer #3 · answered by littlerascal711 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
legally or maturity-wise? Muturity-wise, I think 12-13. If ur an "involved parent" u'll just know they're ready. Make sure you aren't just answering based on whether you like their answer, tho! Remember, u don't want a teenager living in your house when they want to be somewhere else! That's asking for trouble
2007-08-09 17:29:14 · answer #4 · answered by Penny J 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The child's age should have nothing to do with it; the choice should be given to the best aituation for the child to live in...'what is in the child's best interest....ya know.
2007-08-09 17:43:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Im pretty sure it is 11 or 12 yrs old by that age they are old enough to decide
2007-08-09 17:32:31 · answer #6 · answered by Brenda S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In Arkansas it is 12
2007-08-09 17:28:57 · answer #7 · answered by rebeccaangel2004 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
GA-12
2007-08-09 17:26:11 · answer #8 · answered by Smile 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think any age over like 10.
2007-08-09 17:25:41 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
never.kids will never get to choose whom they get to stay with, this is very sad but it's true.
2007-08-10 03:31:03 · answer #10 · answered by NONAME 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋