When can a minor child determine who he wants to live with
Our daughter and her two children, who are now 16 year old boy and 14 year old girl have lived with us for the past eight years. Due to our daughter's divorce and addiction problems that have since been remedied, we willingly took over the care of our grandchildren. Our daughter works full time, attends AA meetings several times a week, has social meetings several times a week. She has stepped up as a parent over the years, but it is primarily our responsibility to take care of her children in all ways, ie; meals, take to appointments, buy clothes, groceries, etc. We added an additional bedrooms several years ago so that all could have their own rooms. It was, perhaps incorrectly, assumed that the children would be here until they left for college. Our daughter has been in several relationships that have not lasted more than 6 months to a year and is now in a relationship with a man since January. They jointly signed a lease and our daughter has moved out with him and his 14 year old daughter and is taking her two children with her. (It is in the same town, and relatively close by). Needless to say, we are broken-hearted and the children are very torn as to where they want to live. This is their home and their security. We love our daughter as well and want her to be happy, but don't feel this is the best solution for our grandchildren. My question is this: Can the children stay here if they choose to even if she says they have to move with her? She has told them and us they have no choice, but they don't want to go. She has legal custody and we have no intention of fighting for custody or ruining our relationship with her.
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