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How old can a child be to decide what parent to live with?
14 years old
If a child is at least 14 years old, the law allows the child to state a custodial preference, unless the judge believes doing so would be detrimental. Those children may address the court unless the court finds that their participation is not in their best interest.
Can a 14 year old choose which parent to live with in Texas?
In Texas, a child’s decision cannot be the sole factor in determining which parent the child lives with. However, once the child reaches the age of 12, and upon motion, the court can consider the child’s wishes as to whom he/she wishes to live with.
Can a minor choose who 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 12 year old choose which parent to live with?
Under the old law, a child age 12 or older could file with the court, the name of the parent who the child wants (or chooses) to decide where the child should live. While this was subject to the court’s approval, it DID NOT mean that a child age 12 or older could choose which parent he or she would live with.
Can a child choose which parent to live with in Texas?
What Age Does a Child Have a Say in Custody? Although children cannot officially decide which parent they want to live with until they are 18 years old, Texas law does allow children that are 12 or older to have a say in where they’d like to live, but ultimately a judge will make the final decision.
How old do you have to be to get custody of a child?
Most courts agree that age 14 is old enough to give kids some say in custody battles. By ages 16 and 17, children may have more influence over which parent they live with. Some courts will place significant weight with the opinions of children this old.
When does a child become an adult in MN?
Both Mr. Beaulier and Mr. Schatz are correct that there is no age that is the sole factor in determining where a child will live until the child becomes an adult and turns 18. It is up to the Court to make that determination, and the Court bases its decision on the 12 Best Interest Factors laid out in Minnesota Statute 518.17 Subd. 1 (a).