Option 1: Not Having Legal Representation From a Child Custody Attorney You do not need to have an attorney for a custody dispute in most states. Representing yourself in court is your right and can have pros and cons.
Full Answer
twelveWhen can my child decide which parent to live with? In Oklahoma, a minor child can express a preference as to where he or she chooses to live at the age of twelve (12).
In law, there is no fixed age that determines when a child can express a preference as to where they want to live. However, legally, a child cannot decide who they want to live with until they are 16 years old. Once a child reaches the age of 16, they are legally allowed to choose which parent to live with.
If a child doesn't want to live with a parent, it might be a safety issue. If your child is old enough, ask what is happening there that makes him or her not want to go. For small children, ask them to draw a picture of life at Daddy's house. A professional counselor and lawyers might need to be involved.
When is a child ready to make their own decisions? A child is ready to make their own decisions at 18 years old in most states, from a legal perspective. Developmentally, a parent should let their child make age-appropriate decisions as they demonstrate capacity, judgment, and maturity.
How to Respond When Your Child Wants Their Other ParentDon't Take It At Face Value. Your child may be very frustrated in this moment, expressing them self in such a way that may cause you some heartbreak. ... Have Empathy for Your Child's Emotions. ... Keep Your Composure. ... Stand Your Ground Peacefully.
What Age Can a Child Refuse Visitation in Washington? Parenting plans or custody orders will stay in place until a child reaches 18, is emancipated, or the order is modified. Visitation is designed to benefit the child, not the child's parents. There's not a set age at which a child can refuse visitation.
The fact is, under Virginia child custody law, there is no “magic age” at which the child gets to make the decision as to which parent will have custody of him or her. In fact, the child does not make the decision on his or her own custody at any age under Virginia child custody law.
By age 11, courts typically allow the child to state his or her preference. Other factors may focus on the parents, like which parent is more likely to take care of the daily physical, emotional, developmental, educational, and special needs of your child.