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These findings come from an analysis of current state laws of Custody X Change, which provides parents with a web application to manage custody of parenting plans, calendars, expense tracking, and more. (Scroll to the end to view full status data.) Sole custody means that the child must live with only one parent. Joint custody gives your children the right to make important decisions in their child`s life, including health education and overall well-being. If an Ohio divorce court considers the child`s wishes when determining custody, the judge must follow a very specific procedure. This prohibits a parent – or any other person – from receiving or attempting to obtain a written or recorded statement from the child of their wishes. If a parent or third party contravenes this provision and provides an affidavit, letter or record setting out the child`s wishes or concerns, the court is prohibited from accepting such evidence. If the court exercises its discretion to question the child or if a parent asks the judge to question the child, this hearing takes place in chambers. A guardian may be appointed to represent the interests of the child. Custody, parental leave and child support can all be affected by unfair or inappropriate custody and parental leave provisions. An ongoing parent-child relationship can be damaged by a care or parenting schedule that takes you away from your child. Get the legal advice you need. The court will try to determine a child`s wishes to the extent possible. However, the will of the child has no influence on the outcome of the proceedings.

Depending on how they are presented rationally, they can be a very important consideration that can tip the scales in favor of a parent. For example, if both parents are equally eligible, the child`s preference may determine whether single, partial or joint custody is granted. Prior to January 2008, the judge`s hands were usually tied. The old norm was that the child`s choice was controlled without determining that the chosen parent was not suitable. In the absence of such a finding, the choice had to be recognized and the court had no discretion to act otherwise. See Scott v. Scott, 276 Ga. 372, 578 p.E.2d 876 (2003) for an analysis of the old standard. (d) the length of time the child has lived in a stable and satisfactory environment and the desirability of maintaining continuity.

In particular, this article shall not prevent younger children from applying to the court where appropriate and compatible with the best interests of the child. Currently, article 3042 of the Family Code allows the judge to provide another method of ascertaining a child`s preferences if this excludes summons to appear as a witness; As amended, Section 3042(e) now requires the provision of such an alternative. November 17, 2020 – Many parents who break up mistakenly think that their child can choose who they want to live with. Interviews with the judge take place in the judge`s office and are therefore referred to as hearings in private or in camera. Usually, a court reporter and the child`s legal representative attend. Sometimes the parents` lawyers are also admitted, but not the parents themselves. (j) the willingness and ability of each Party to facilitate and promote a close and lasting relationship between the child and the other parent or the child and the parents. For the purposes of this factor, a court cannot unfavourably consider reasonable steps taken by one parent to protect a child or that parent from sexual assault or domestic violence by the child`s other parent.

There are two types of detention in Michigan: legal and physical. A custody and divorce lawyer can help you reach an agreement that reflects your child`s best interests. (l) Any other factor that the court considers relevant to a particular custody dispute. As most family law lawyers will tell you, the age at which a child can decide is 18. At this age, they are no longer children and are subject to a custody lawsuit. Until then, it never depends on a child. There is no magic age until you turn 18. A judge must consider a child`s preference, age, maturity and other factors. But the final decision is always up to the judge. Simply put, in a custody suit, a child has the right to vote, but not the choice. In deciding what type of custody is granted in a custody or divorce case, the court considers best interests factors.

It is one of those factors that allows a minor child to have a say in where they live. In addition, a judge tries to assess whether a child`s preference for a parent is due to the persuasion or indulgence of that parent, which would make the preference less valid from the court`s point of view. Thirteen states do not have laws requiring a judge to consider a child`s preference when deciding custody. All the other states (plus Washington, D.C.) do it; Judges must take into account the views of mature children. In Michigan, MCL 722.23 states that the court determines the “best interests of the child” by considering the following factors: I`m tired of what my daughter`s mother is doing. She wouldn`t let me see my daughter, I paid child support for 12 years. His mother puts things in his head. My daughter is afraid of her mother. She recently had 2 more children with 2 other boys and now wants me to pay more support and childcare when I am available and also my mother.

This case was brought before the courts 10 years ago. Now she`s back to her games. I have 2 other grandchildren, one 11 years old and the other 9 years old married to my wife for 12 years. My daughter runs, hides and cries when it`s time for her to go home. But I haven`t seen my daughter for 3 months because of her mother`s games. Please don`t know what to do. Help, please. When a child turns 18, they can choose who they want to live with. This is the only age at which a child who is actually an adult at this stage can choose where he wants to live. If the child is emancipated before the age of 18, he or she may also choose his or her place of residence. However, this is not a common scenario. For example, a 15-year-old girl cannot live with her mother as she wishes if the evidence shows that the mother allows her to drive without a licence.

On the other hand, a 12-year-old with concrete reasons for favouring a suitable parent could have a significant influence on a judge`s decision.