Legal Question in Family Law in California

child custody

How old does a child have to be to choose where he/she lives?


Asked on 1/29/08, 7:47 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Amy Ghosh Law Offices of Amy Ghosh

Re: child custody

After the child becomes 18...they can decide...before that it would be court's discretion but court always pays attention to the best interest of the child along with the child's intention and preference to live with one parent.

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Answered on 1/30/08, 10:55 am
Phillip Lemmons, Esq. Phillip Lemmons APC, Attorneys at Law

Re: child custody

The real answer is 18.

The court may consider a child's preference if the child shows sufficient maturity in his or her rationale. Don't ever be fooled into thinking that the child can merely decide. That decision will always be made by the court.

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Answered on 1/29/08, 8:55 pm


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