Can a 12 year old decide which parent to live with in Florida?

Can a 12 year old decide which parent to live with in Florida?

In Florida, the age a child can choose a parent to live with will depend on the child’s overall maturity. Unlike other states, in Florida, there is no particular age when courts must consider a child’s preference.

Can a 12 year old decide to live with grandparents?

Until they are age 18, children are bound to live with their parents or guardians UNLESS there is a court order directing otherwise. Under certain circumstances, grand parents can file a petition for custody, but there no guarantee that custody would be awarded to them.

When can a child make a decision to live with a parent?

A child’s desire in which parent to reside is one of many factors the Court will consider. A child’s preference can be most effective when both parents are equally “fit,” all living conditions for the child are relatively equal, and the child is fourteen (14) years of age or over.

What are the disadvantages of joint custody?

The disadvantages include the fact that the child is often in a state of limbo, constantly going back and forth between the parents’ houses and can feel alienated and confused. In addition, often it becomes very hard for parents to maintain two homes for the child’s need.

What is the best way to split custody?

50/50 schedules work best when:

  1. The parents live fairly close to each other, so exchanges are easier.
  2. The parents are able to communicate with each other about the child without fighting.
  3. The child is able to handle switching between parents’ homes.
  4. Both parents are committed to putting the child’s best interest first.

Does a father have any rights to a child?

Fathers’ rights can include a father’s right to parenting time with his children, the right to be consulted before adoption, and the right to time off from work to raise his child. You can also learn about the fathers’ rights movement, proposals for family law reform, and notable fathers’ rights legal cases.