Child custody battles can be contentious. It really just depends on the situation of the parents and the child. The relationship between the parents and whether they are married or not will also play a big role in how contentious things can get. If there is already bad blood between the parents, then custody battles can sometimes turn into full-blown wars. In cases like these, it is usually best to seek outside help, such as a lawyer or mediator, to help resolve the situation.
At What Age Can A Child Decide What Parent To Live With?
When it comes to child custody, there are a lot of questions that come up. One of the most common is at what age can a child decide which parent they want to live with?
Only in certain cases is the child allowed to make this decision on their own. Most of the time, the court will make the decision for them based on what is in the best interest of the child.
There are a few factors that the court will look at when making this decision. The age and maturity of the child is one factor. The relationship between the parents and how well they get along is also taken into account. The court will also look at where each parent lives and how close they are to each other. In general, a child can only make a decision on which parent to live with if they are over the age of 18.
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Who Decides Who the Child Ends Up Living With?
While the age limit for a child to choose who to live with in a divorce is generally 18, a child can express a preference that can potentially influence the court at the age of 14.
If parents cannot agree on who the child should live with, the court will make a decision based on what is in the best interest of the child. The court will consider all of the factors mentioned above when making its decision. In some cases, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the child’s interests.
In most cases, it is in the best interest of the child to have both parents involved in their life. The court will try to make a decision that allows for this whenever possible. For example, the court may order joint custody or allow the child to spend time with both parents on a regular basis.
If you are going through a divorce and have questions about child custody, contact our firm today. We can help you understand your rights and options under the law.
Why Should I Hire a Child Custody Attorney?
If you are going through a divorce and have questions about child custody, it is important to speak with a seasoned child custody advocate in Riverside. They can help you negotiate with the other party and reach an agreement that is in the best interest of your child.
If you cannot reach an agreement on your own, the court will make a decision for you. This decision can be difficult to overturn, so it is important to have an attorney who can help you present your case to the court. Reach out to our fathers’ rights law office today to get the support you need by calling (951) 482-7517.
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