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At what age can a child choose which parent they live with

Asked May 5, 2009, 11:34 PM — 4 Answers
At what age can a child who's parents have separated choose which parent they live with?

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Meredith1978's Avatar
Meredith1978 Posts: 120, Reputation: 56
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#2

May 6, 2009, 05:49 AM
There is no particular age for most states, it is based on how ligitmate the request is and the child's opinion will not weigh all that heavily if there is no other reason.

A child's opinion counts the most with the court after the age of 12.

Having said that the courts frown heavily on coersing and if there is any sign at all that the child has been coaxed into the request it usually goes badly for the parent influencing the child. Its the equivilent of "parent alienation" I believe that is the term that is being used for it.

Keep in mind that the whole process of a child going through the court to change custody can do irreversible damage to all the relationships involved so be wise.
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HUNTERGATHERER's Avatar
HUNTERGATHERER Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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#3

May 6, 2009, 06:02 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by HUNTERGATHERER View Post
At what age can a child who's parents have separated choose which parent they live with?

Thanks for reply I should have added that I live in the UK
Gary
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Meredith1978's Avatar
Meredith1978 Posts: 120, Reputation: 56
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#4

May 6, 2009, 10:38 AM
In that case, honestly I have no idea what the law is there, I'm curious to see how it is handled outside of the USA
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ScottGem's Avatar
ScottGem Posts: 58,147, Reputation: 28160
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#5

May 6, 2009, 12:41 PM


Quote:
Originally Posted by HUNTERGATHERER View Post
Thanks for reply I should have added that I live in the UK
Gary
Yep its always a good idea to indicate your general location. But I believe the laws in this case are similar. A child cannot decide. A ruling on custody can only be made by a court. What weight the court places on a child's preference will vary, but its up to court to decide what's in the child's best interests.
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