Legal Question in Family Law in Colorado

My parents have been divorced for ten years. Next month I am turning 14 and I would like to know what rights I am entitled to as a teenager? More specifically if I can choose who I want to live with?


Asked on 7/17/10, 1:20 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

The short legal answer is no. That being said, talk to your parents. Perhaps you can persuade them to see your point of view and to let you live with the one you want to live with.

In the law, you will find that the Judge can talk to a child over the age of 12 and consider that child's preferences about who to live with. However, the Judge does not have to find out what your preferences are. Unfortunately, in Colorado, most judges will not do so. There is some effort being made to change that, because many in your shoes have expressed great frustration that the Judge will sit there and decide where you should be, without ever hearing your perspective about where you want to live and why you want to live there. Some judges are becoming more open to hearing from the teen involved, but not all.

You do not have the right to petition the Court directly, so you would have to persuade one of your parents to file a motion to modify the parenting time, and to then ask the Judge to hear from you, either directly (you go talk to the Judge) or in writing (you write a letter to the Judge explaining your thoughts and feelings).

I'm sure it is very frustrating to read this answer, as it is probably not what you hoped for. Do your best to build good relations with both your parents and to make your needs clear to them. Most parents really do do their best to do what is best for their children.

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Answered on 7/28/10, 5:58 pm


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