Is WV A 50/50 custody State?

Is WV A 50/50 custody State?

West Virginia law does not provide for 50/50 custody—rather it requires that each family has a plan that is best for them. Parents need to take that opportunity and focusing on the needs of the children, find the best plan for them.

At what age can a child decide which parent to live with in WV?

West Virginia custody laws generally consider the preferences of children 14 and older to be well-reasoned and sufficiently mature. Children younger than 14 can have their preferences heard as well, but it will be up to a judge to decide how much weight to give a younger child’s preference.

Can a 10 year old decide which parent to live with?

In law, there is no fixed age that determines when a child can express a preference as to where they want to live. However, legally, a child cannot decide who they want to live with until they are 16 years old. Once a child reaches the age of 16, they are legally allowed to choose which parent to live with.

What age will a court listen to a child?

If the question of who the child is to live with has to be resolved through court proceedings, then the courts will start to place weight on a child’s wishes when they are considered competent to understand the situation. This can be around the age of 12 or 13 but varies on the circumstances.

Can a 11 year old choose which parent to live with?

They appear to be uniformly surprised to learn that a minor child does not have the legal right to decide which parent to live with. Depending on the jurisdiction in which you live, the age of your child may matter only in terms of the weight a judge might give to a child’s preference, should he or she have one.

What is considered bad living conditions for a child?

Lack of necessary health care. Unsanitary living areas. Food lacking in nutrition. Emotional and physical abuse.

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.

Is it hard to get joint custody?

While the process can be challenging, it is not impossible. Most judges try to ensure that the decisions they make are in the best interest of the children. Whether you are a father going for full custody or joint custody, you should do everything you can to prepare for child custody battle ahead of you..

What are my rights as a parent with joint custody?

Joint legal custody means that both parents have the legal authority to make major decisions for the child. 1 These include decisions regarding education, religion, and health care. In other words, it is possible for co-parents to share legal custody but not share physical custody.