Sometimes yes, but sometimes no. In most cases, children are not allowed to choose where they can live before they turn 18. Some laws can permit children above 14 to share their views in court unless the judge finds it worthy and does not harm them. No law prohibits the judge from listening to a young child’s opinion. You can find the right divorce lawyer with a quick search on the web by looking up a divorce lawyer near me.
Can a child choose who they want to live with after divorce?
A child’s preference is one of the factors the judge considers in child custody cases. They also consider the explanations for the child’s choice. The judge may discount the preference if the child does not want to stay with their father because they do not have a great bond. But if the child wants to live with their father because he lives near his school, the judge will give weight to this preference.
There are several factors that the court considers before making custody decisions.
- Stability of each parent’s household.
- Child’s relationship with the parent.
- Where the parent lives.
- Parent’s work schedule.
- Parent’s financial situation.
- Parent’s history of caregiving.
- The health of each parent along with the child.
- Past allegations of domestic violence.
- Location of the child’s school.
- Where the parents and family members meet.
A family law court acts in such a way that the child will receive enough from the parent and can form a meaningful relationship with the child. It means that the child can live with their parents, known as co-parenting.
Judges can not ever force children to testify in court; the child should not testify as it can harm them. Even if the child does not appear in court, the judge has several other ways to determine their preference. The judge can appoint someone to speak to the child and share their priorities. Judges can also invite children to testify in their own office, so they do not have to communicate their preferences in front of parents.
Children do not require to have to testify in child custody cases; the judge will find their way if they want to talk to the child. Your child can take part in volunteer information with someone show is appointed to communicate with them.
Divorce and child custody cases can prove how traumatic they are. But, you can cope with them by answering the questions they understand, providing frequent reassurance, and validating their feelings.
