Child Custody – At What Age Can a Child Choose Which Parent to Live With?
Sometimes, during custody disputes, parents involve the opinions of their child, hoping it will sway the decision somehow. Other times, it is the child that seeks to initiate the change. The child may do so due to a conflict with the custodial parent, seeking to be closer to a particular school or friends, or even seeking to live with the more lenient parent. Generally, matters of residence and custody are better to be decided among adults, not children. Divorce and custody disputes impose enough stress and guilt on children. Children could potentially feel at fault for the pain the non custodial parent might feel, as the result of being separated from the child. Therefore, custody decisions are better left to the adults. If the two parents are unable to reach an amicable custody arrangement, they may turn to a counselor for advice and guidance. If that is unsuccessful, they may turn to a mediator. If that is unsuccessful, they will have to turn to family court, where the determination
