How old does a child have to be to decide where they want to live?

How old does a child have to be to decide where they want to live?

Parents often want to know at what age a child can decide whom to live with. The answer is simply: according to the law, eighteen. However, dissolution of marriage statutes provide that the child’s wish as to where s/he will live is a factor to be considered by a court in making a custody decision.

At what age can a child choose which parent to live with in CT?

Child Preference in Custody Matters in Connecticut Under Connecticut law, there’s no fixed age at which a court must consider a child’s wishes regarding custody. Still, courts will generally consider the opinion of children aged 13 or older and disregard the opinions of children who are five or younger.

Can a 7 year old choose which parent to live with?

In effect, children can choose which parent to live with if all involved decision makers that is, the significant adults in the child’s life are in agreement about the child’s future living arrangements and that agreement meshes with the child’s own wishes.

What do I do if my child wants to live with the non custodial parent?

If there is no custody order in place, then the child can live with the non-custodial parent without having to involve the court. If there is a custody order in place, that order would need to be modified. In some states, custody may be modified at any time.

Can an 8 year old decide which parent to live with?

There is no ‘Magic Age’ There is no fixed age when a child can decide on where they should live in a parenting dispute. Instead their wishes are one of many factors a court will consider in reaching a decision.

Can a 9 year old decide where to live?

So here is the simple answer- at law, children don’t get to choose their living arrangements until they are adults- in other words when they turn 18. Under the Act, the arrangements for children after separation are to be in their ‘best interests’.

How often should a father see their child?

Each family is unique and reasonable access for fathers depends on the individual circumstances. Some fathers see their children every day, while others might see them just once a month. Parents might share responsibilities and alternate weekend contact, or some fathers may have weekend contact every week.

Can a 13 year old refuses to see a parent?

The legal answer may be “yes” even though the ethical answer could be “no” in some situations. Under the law, each parent must follow a custody order exactly. However, obviously parents may have less control over a teenage child who is refusing visits.

At what age can a child say they don’t want to see a parent?

Most judges understand that once a child reaches their teens (14 /15 /16 /17), it certainly is difficult to force them to visit with a noncustodial parent when they are adamant about not seeing them, but it truly is not the child’s decision.

Should I force my child visit me?

Some parents have asked me whether they have to “force” their child to visit. Having said that, if you have a family court order that provides for a visitation schedule, then the safest answer is “yes” you must make the child go. If you fail to abide by the court order, there can be several legal consequences.