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At what age can a child choose who they live with? My son wants to live with me.

At what age can a child choose who they live with? My son wants to live with me.

Q: Can I choose to live with my mom at 14?

While a 14-year-old can express a desire to live with their mother, the court will ultimately decide based on the best interests of the child. The child's preference will be taken into account, but it is not the sole determining factor.

Q: What age can a child say who they want to live with?

There is no specific age when a child can decide who they want to live with. However, as children grow older, their opinions are given more weight in custody decisions. Generally, by age 14, a child's preference is considered more seriously by the courts.

Q: Do I have to live with my parents at 14?

At 14, a child is generally expected to live with their parents unless a court orders otherwise. If a child wishes to live elsewhere, they can express this to the court, which will consider their wishes along with other factors.

Q: At what age can a child make their own decisions?

Children can start making their own decisions at various ages, but legal decision-making authority typically begins at 18. However, older children, especially those around 14 and above, may have their preferences considered in custody and living arrangements.

Q: Can I choose to live with my grandparents at 14?

A 14-year-old can express a desire to live with their grandparents, but the court must approve this arrangement. The child's preference will be considered, but the court's primary focus is on the child's best interests.

Full question:

At what age can a child choose who they live with? My son wants to live with me.

Category: Divorce
Subcategory: Child Custody
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Missouri

Answer:

A child's wishes may be taken into consideration by a judge in determining custody, but it is the court's decision to change custody, not the child's.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Can I choose who I want to live with at 14?

At 14, a child can express their preferences regarding where they want to live, but the final decision rests with the court. Judges will consider the child's wishes along with other factors when determining custody arrangements.