does a child have the say how he lives with at 10

In the State of MO, does a child at the age of 10 1/2 have the choice to tell the courts who he wants to live with. His dad is trying to get custody and he does not want to live with his dad. His father is using the child abuse route to get him away.

[LegalBeagle]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by she56@aol.com:
[b]In the State of MO, does a child at the age of 10 1/2 have the choice to tell the courts who he wants to live with. His dad is trying to get custody and he does not want to live with his dad. His father is using the child abuse route to get him away. [/b]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

It is not likely, but possible. Concentrate on the custody issue. Remember that the father has to show good reasons why he should have custody and will need solid proof of the abuse.

Is there currently an order in place ? Have he filed his petition yet ? What is the wording in the petition ? Do you or he have an attorney ?

The wording in the papers that my ex uses is that i verbally abuse and yell at the children and make them feel uncomfortable when both my x and i are around each other that he can tell my son acts a certain way.


We both have lawyers and they are friends if that help.....

Thanks for the answer.