Can you choose which parent you want to live with at the age of 16?

Can you choose which parent you want to live with at the age of 16?

A judge will never base a custody decision solely on the wishes of the child, regardless of age. However, a judge may consider an older child’s wishes in the final determination. A child’s wishes may come true if a judge determines that is what is in the child’s best interests.

Can a 16 year old decide which parent to live with in California?

It’s important to understand that just because the law permits a child to express an opinion doesn’t mean the judge has to follow the child’s preference. Children can’t choose where to live until they are 18 years old.

How old do you have to be to decide which parent to stay with?

There is a common misconception that in Family Law parenting disputes about with whom a child will live, a child will have the deciding vote when they reach the age of 12.

What do you do when your child doesn’t want to see the other parent?

Talk to your child about why they don’t want to go Try to get to the bottom of why your child doesn’t want to spend time or stay with your co-parent. Let your child express their feelings to you without judgment. When it’s your turn to respond, do so with kindness and understanding.

Do you have to force a child to go with the other parent?

Let’s face it: No one can (or should) force children to visit with their parent if they don’t want to. However, there can be legal ramifications in cooperating with a child’s visitation refusal. Assure your children that both parents love them and that you want them to spend time with their other parent.

How does someone lose custody of their child?

You will learn that losing custody of a child is often the result of child abuse, neglect, knowingly false allegations of child abuse, or a finding of domestic violence. You will also learn how a failure to co-parent and even parental alienation could be a reason to lose custody of a child.

What to do if my ex won’t let me see my child?

The non-custodial parent’s next step is to file a petition (legal paperwork) in court to enforce visitation rights. Non-custodial parents may try to file these petitions on their own, but it is advisable to have an experienced family law attorney prepare it.

Can my ex dictate who is around my child?

Unless your fianc has a history of substance abuse or child abuse, he has no right to dictate who you can have around the children. It he interferes, file an order to show cause or, if appropriate, a contempt proceeding. When its your time, its your time.

Does a parent have to tell the other parent their address?

Parents should tell each other their current addresses and home and work phone numbers. Both parents should realize that visitation schedules may change as children age and their needs change.

Which parent is responsible for transportation?

Responsibility for providing transportation shall be divided between the parents. The parent beginning his/her custodial period shall be responsible for transporting the child from the other parent’s home or school or agreed upon exchange site.

Does custodial parent have more rights?

There are two types of custody rights. These include legal custody rights and physical custody rights. Custodial rights are typically listed in a document called an order and is signed by a judge. Under a joint legal custody arrangement, both parents have the right to make decisions about how the child is to be raised.

Do dads always get 50 50 custody?

Dads are not automatically entitled 50-50 custody, or any custody order for that matter. Likewise, there is nothing in the family code that automatically grants custody to fathers solely on the basis that they are the dad. The standard the court uses during a divorce is the best interest of the child.