At What Age Can Kids Decide?

[needscadvice]

What is the name of your state? South Carolina

Does anyone know what age it is that a child can decide who they live with?

 

[snostar]

Sure, when they reach the age of majority (18 in SC), or become legally emancipated.

 

[datgeorge]

I know that in Texas it is 14 and in RI it is 13.........I would call a lawer to find out for sure in your state.................

 

[snostar]

I know that in Texas it is 14 and in RI it is 13.........I would call a lawer to find out for sure in your state.................

WRONG!!!!! This is absolutely incorrect! Georgia is the only state with laws reagrding this matter. In SC the child may be able to voice their wishes with a judges approval if the child is over 12 years old, but in NO case does the child get to make the decision on their own.

 

[stealth2]

sno's right in both posts. datgeorge... is not.

 

[gatorguy3]

Children cannot decide, as was stated.

However, many judges will let the child be heard to some extent. In many cases, the judge will talk to the child (no set age) and will decide from there. I have a friend where, when she was 4 and her parents were divorcing, the judge took her to chambers and asked her several questions about her parents and such. The judge used this testimony to set the final judgment. Yes, this is a rare case, but the discression is in the hands of the judge. There are no specific laws to allow for such.

 

[needscadvice]

thank you all

Thank you - I liked the one where they were legally emancipated or 18!!

Anyway, my lawyer doesn't want the kids to feel like they are in the middle of the parents and choosing sides. I understand his point but my kids are wanting to talk to the judge. They just don't want to hurt their father but they are miserable at his house now and want to be heard.