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View Full Version : What age do I have to be to decide what parent I want to live with?


sydo911
Dec 5, 2010, 10:04 PM
I am 12 years old and I want to know if I can decide which parent to live with.

Synnen
Dec 5, 2010, 11:37 PM
You can choose where to live at age 18.

Before that, it is decided by the courts as to what is in your best interests. You may sometimes have a say in it, but ultimately, it is decided by a judge.

ANY legal question needs to have your location listed in order to get accurate answers, though.

ScottGem
Dec 6, 2010, 05:10 AM
As noted a child cannot make this decision. Only a court can. A court is required to make this determination on the basis of the best interests of the child. Depending on where you live as you get older a greater weight may be put on your preference. At 12 I doubt if much weight will be given.

If a change in custody is to happen, the non-custodial parent needs to go to court and request a modification of the custody order.