How old does a child have to be to decied where she wants to live (in maine) I heard 16 but Im not sure she is 15 (16 September third) Any help will do THANK YOU GREATLY!

The child CANNOT decide where she/he wants to live till 18.If the child is 14 he/she is allowed to say his/her opinion.The judge decides.

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Originally Posted by GV70

The child CANNOT decide where she/he wants to live till 18.If the child is 14 he/she is allowed to say his/her opinion.The judge decides.

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How strongly will the opinion count in court?

It depends on the judge.

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Originally Posted by GV70

It depends on the judge.

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Ok thank you!

Most custody decisions are made by a judge or magistrate within the state's court system. In a handful of states, a jury may hear arguments and decide. Many states also provide for the appointment of an independent guardian ad litem to represent the child's interests so that the child is shielded from being a party to the dispute, or actually having to testify or respond to the court's inquiry. In such cases, the guardian may be a court-assigned stranger, or a nominated family relative or attorney. Many courts also provide formediation or arbitration of custody disputes. Often the mediations are confidential by statutory provision, and serve merely to provide a forum for extra-judicial resolution or recommendation. In many states, the court may order acustody investigation and/or solicit recommendations by independent or court-appointed evaluators (mediators, "Friend of the Court" appointees, etc.). Additionally, statutes often provide courts with the power to compel parents toparticipate in mediation to resolve custody disputes before bringing the matter before the court. A court's power to adjudicate custody matters is generally terminated when the child either reaches the age of majority, or is "emancipated" by getting married, joining the military, or is adopted by other parents. This must be determined judicially, not by the parents or child. Thereis continuing jurisdiction of the courts in some circumstances, as when the child is legally incompetent.