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My daughter turned 18 in the beginning of August and will be a senior in high school. She lives with her dad in North Dakota,...

My daughter turned 18 in the beginning of August and will be a senior in high school. She lives with her dad in North Dakota,...

Q: Can a 12 year old decide which parent to live with in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, a 12-year-old can express their preference for which parent to live with, but they do not have the legal authority to make that decision. The court will consider the child's wishes along with other factors to determine what is in the child's best interests.

Q: What rights do parents have over 18 year olds still in school?

Once a child turns 18, they are legally considered an adult and can make their own decisions, including where to live and whether to continue their education. Parents no longer have legal authority over an 18-year-old, but they may still provide support or guidance if the young adult chooses to accept it.

Q: What happens when a high school student turns 18?

When a high school student turns 18, they gain legal adult status. This means they can make independent decisions about their education, living arrangements, and other personal matters without needing parental consent. However, they are still eligible to continue their education until they graduate.

Q: What if a child doesn't want to live with a parent?

If a child does not want to live with a parent, their wishes can be taken into account, especially if they are older. However, the court will ultimately decide based on the child's best interests, which may involve evaluating the reasons for the child's preference and the circumstances of both parents.

Q: Can you legally move out at 18 if you're still in school?

Yes, in Minnesota, once a person turns 18, they can legally move out of their parent's home, even if they are still in high school. They have the right to make their own living arrangements without needing parental permission.

Full question:

My daughter turned 18 in the beginning of August and will be a senior in high school. She lives with her dad in North Dakota, but now wants to move to Minnesota with me, her mom, to finish her last year of high school. Is she legally able to move out of her dad's house since she is now 18 or can she be forced to live there with him and go back to her old school?

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

Answer:

Minors are persons under eighteen years of age. All persons eighteen years of age and over are adults. (Title 14, §14-10-02)

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

At what age in Minnesota can a child decide which parent to live with?

In Minnesota, a child can express a preference regarding which parent to live with at any age. However, the court typically gives more weight to the child's wishes once they reach around 14 years old. The final decision will consider the child's best interests and the circumstances of each parent.