Can I choose to live with my dad at 12?

Can I choose to live with my dad at 12?

In some states, the judge must determine whether permitting the child to state a preference is even in the child’s best interests. Usually by 12 years old a child can testify. As the child gets older, his or her wishes carry more weight.

Can a 9 year old choose which parent to live with?

1 attorney answer Although a child’s wishes are one factor among many the court must consider in determining the child’s best interests, a minor child never gets to “decide” which parent to live with.

What happens if a child wants to live with the other parent?

The older the child, the more likely the child’s stated preferences will be considered by the presiding custody judge. In some child custody courts, children are allowed to complete an Affidavit of Preference and sign.

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

no, she cannot choose and have it be the way she wants. she may express an opinion to her guardian ad litem if there is one, but the child is not in charge.

Can a child choose not to live with a parent?

Child’s Wishes for Custodial Parent is Currently Up to Judge’s Discretion. Currently, there is no specific age where the Court will consider the wishes of a child in deciding custody matters. Currently there is no specific age where the Court will consider the wishes of a child in deciding custody matters.

Can a teenager 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.

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

A child does not really get to decide where they want to live until they are 18 and no longer legally a child. In Maryland, at age 16, a child can file a petition to change their custodial situation.

When can a child choose where they want to live?

14 or older

Can I take my daughter out of state?

If there is some type of court action involving the children (divorce, custody, visitation, child support, etc.) that is in process, then it may be illegal for you to take the children out of state, even temporarily, without permission from the judge and/or consent of the other parent.

How does custody work when parents live in different states?

When parents live in different states, one of the states will have jurisdiction over the custody arrangements. If you and the other parent do not agree on which state has jurisdiction over your custody arrangements, the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act determines which state has jurisdiction.

Can my ex get custody if I remarry?

While the act of remarrying does not in itself impact a parent’s custody rights over their child or children, if the remarriage is not in the best interest of the child, and a party files to modify custody, the court may decide to make custody decisions to best protect the children.

Can living with a boyfriend affect custody?

Unless you have crafted a custody agreement, the court always decides where the child should live based on his or her interest. Moving in with your boyfriend isn’t something that can impact your custody, but it is something that brings another party into the equation.

Is it better to be married when fighting for custody?

In some cases, the new relationship can cause difficulties for the children from the prior marriage–which can spill over into other areas, like behavioral issues or problems at school. If this is the case, then it may be beneficial for the parents to re-evaluate their existing child custody agreement.