childs right to decide

At what age is the child able to decide where he wants to live? my stepson is 15 will be 16 in Dec and has requested to come live with us. His mother states she has custody and the decision is up to her. She further states she has budgeted in the child support she is recieving to pay her house note for the next 3 years. Shouldn't the issue be the child and what is in his best intrest and not a money matter?

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[LegalBeagle]

If the mother point blankly refuses then all you can do is go to court and let a judge hear the reasons from the child on why they want to change residence. Your chances are 50/50 depending on the judge. If the bio mom only reason to keep him is the money then she has less of a chance.

If we have to we will petition the court and in doing so could we ask that the judge talk to son in closed chambers so that his reasons can be open and honest and not afraid to say what he thinks??????

[LegalBeagle]

At his age, yes. Oh, I mean the child's not the judge

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by browneyedprincess:
[b]At what age is the child able to decide where he wants to live? my stepson is 15 will be 16 in Dec and has requested to come live with us. His mother states she has custody and the decision is up to her. She further states she has budgeted in the child support she is recieving to pay her house note for the next 3 years. Shouldn't the issue be the child and what is in his best intrest and not a money matter?

[/b]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

In many states, the judge will listen to a child at the age of 14..and if the child gives good reasons for wanting to live elsewhere, the judge will consider that.