Q: At what age can a child in Wasilla, AK chose what parent she/he wants to live with?
A:
If both parents agree to let the child decide at a certain age, then it's up to them. If both parents don't agree, then it will likely be the court that determines custody. From the court's point of view, child custody is an adult decision. The court has to consider all the factors required by statute and make a decision that will be in the child's best interest in light of all the circumstances. As part of that process, the court will consider the child's preference "if the child is of sufficient age and capacity to form a preference." Don't expect the judge to talk to the child directly. Usually presenting the child's preference requires the appointment of a custody investigator, who will interview the child and make any other investigations required by the court.
So the short answer is the child never gets to decide--it's either a parental decision or a court decision that takes the child's preference into consideration.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
