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Can A Teenager Choose Which Parent To Live With?
Lee Borden

Q. 

Can a 15 yr old choose which parent to live with?

-- Anonymous

A. 

The answer varies by state. Most states make the preferences of a minor only one of many factors the court should consider in deciding custody, not the determining factor. There are some states, however, where the judge is more or less required to defer to the preference of any child over the age of 14 unless the judge is able to defend the decision with some specific concerns. If you are a minor, ask your school guidance counselor, who will almost certainly know the answer for your state.



-- Lee Borden

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