Q: Can I choose which parent to live with in California?
I’m 15 years old and I want to choose which parent to live with full time. Right now I live with my mom most of the time, but I have to go to my dad’s house also. Is there a way I could choose to live with my mom all the time? Do I have to be older?
A: While your decision is not determinative (i.e., the judge could still order that you have to live with your dad part of the time), the court will consider your choice of parent when deciding the best interests for you (the child). The older and more mature you are, the more the court will lean on your decision.
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