How old do you have to be to choose which parent you want to live with in North Carolina?
There is no magic age number when a child can decide who to live with under North Carolina law. When a child turns age 18 and becomes an adult they can choose to live wherever they want, but before then a judge can dictate where that child must live.
How old does a child have to be to get custody?
If the court considers both parents fit to have custody, the chancellor (judge) may consider the preference of a child 12 or older. If the child is 14 or older, the court considers their desires. If the child is under 14, the court decides custody per the child’s best interests, considering factors like the child’s wishes.
How old does a child have to be to choose a parent?
A child 14 or older has the right to select which parent they live with, unless a judge finds the selected parent does not serve the child’s best interests. The judge considers the desires of a child at least 11 but not yet 14. The court considers the wishes of the child, with more consideration given if the child is at least 14.
How old does a child have to be to go to court?
A child 14 or older gets to address the court, unless the court determines it’s not in the child’s best interest. A child under 14 also gets to address the court if it’s in their best interest. A child 14 or older has the right to select which parent they live with, unless a judge finds the selected parent does not serve the child’s best interests.
Can a child choose which parent will have custody?
In most states the children don’t have a choice, but in Georgia and West Virginia the courts allow children 14 years of age or older an “absolute” right to choose the custodial parent (as long as the judge deems the parent fit). However, that doesn’t mean that in most states the child has no say. Best Interest of the Child Standard