[myfroggyo]

In The State Of Florida, How Old Does A Child Have To Be To Choose What Parent They Want To Live With?
Thank You
Lh

[J_9]

Children cannot CHOOSE what parent they live with actually, they may have a say in where they want to live, but ultimately it is up to the judge to decide what household the child resides based on what is in the best interests of the child.

[s_cianci]

There's no hard-and-fast age. As it is, it's never completely the child's decision. Depending on the child's age and the judge, the child's feelings are taken into consideration but are never the final word.

[myfroggyo]

Also, My Husband Was Granted Custody Of His Daughter A Few Months Ago. The Mother And The Aunt Are Coercing Her When She Visits Them. We Have To Do Damage Control When She Comes Back. Since She's Been With Us She Went From 2.0 Gpa To A 3.75. Is An Honor Roll Student Now, On The Soccer Team And Very Well Rounded. How Can We Stop This From Happening?

Thanks
Lh

[s_cianci]

Ask the mother and aunt to stop the coercion. If they won't, take them to court and petition to have their visitation limited and supervised in order to curtail the disparaging remarks they're making to your stepdaughter.

[Fr_Chuck]

Yes, as noted there is no age that a child can just go where they want to live, it has to follow the court order, AT certain ages, the judge will ask them, but will also look at all the other factors also.

As for as the other parent and aunt causing trouble, sadly this is partly about normal but if it gets real bad as cianci mentioned, you take them back to court to get visits limited or even supervised if it is starting to distrup.