At what age can a child decide what parent to be with?

14-years-old
Although the law specifically permits children at least 14-years-old to express an opinion, there is no specific age when a judge will listen to a child’s opinion. California statutes also permit a child younger than 14 years old to testify regarding a custodial preference, unless the court decides it’s not in the …

How old do you have to be to get custody of your child?

Most courts agree that age 14 is old enough to give kids some say in custody battles. By ages 16 and 17, children may have more influence over which parent they live with.

Can a child choose which parent will have custody?

In Vermont, the statutes do not allow children to express a preference for which parent they want to live with at any time. According to the Vermont Judiciary’s Parental Rights and Responsibilities pamphlet, “[t]he law actually discourages the testimony of minor children.

When does a court give a child’s preference in custody?

A child’s preference in custody for children age 14 and older The court must listen to a child who is 14 years or older unless the court determines that it is not in the child’s best interest to do so. When a child is under the age of 14, the court must first determine whether or not it is in the child’s best interest to listen to him or her.

Can a minor live with both parents if they have sole custody?

The child will not live with both parents unless the court deems this to be in the best interests of the minor. If sole custody is awarded to one parent, this means that the parent who does not have custody of the child will not have any rights to have the child live with them while the child is a minor.

What age can a child choose a custodial parent?

Legally, a child can decide which parent will get custody at age 18 when the child is an adult. Before that, as a general rule, children don’t decide custody. If the child is of “suitable age” the Judge will probably have the child interviewed to determine the child’s wishes.

What age does child have say in custody matters?

Typically, the older a child is, the more influence his opinion will have on the custody case. A good general rule of thumb is that kids over 12 will have the opportunity to share their opinion, although this is by no means the rule in every state.

November 17, 2020 – Many separating parents mistakenly think their child can choose whom to live with. In reality, Georgia is the only U.S. state that lets a child choose who takes physical custody of them. Even then, the child must be 14 or older, and their choice must be approved by a judge.

What age can a child choose to live with a parent?

There is no legal age for a minor to make such a decision. Technically, until they reach age 18 the court will decide which parent they should live with. However, once a child turns 12 or so, their input is given greater weight by the court.