What age are children allowed to choose who they live with

[Heatherjayne1972]

That really. My Dd is 13. Her. Father and I split. I have custody because he refused to come to court to fight for her and her brothers. She had said she wants to live with her dad. But is she considered old enough to choose ?

[Whatdoesntkillyou16]

I think that, yes, her view will be significant and, if it can't be resolved amicably, then the court will definitely want to hear her view. However, it is not necessarily the only thing that determines who she will live with.

[SexTrainGlue]

Yes, I think she is old enough for considerable weight to be attached to her views.

(Family members went through this when their DD was the same age, either could provide a suitable home; she ended up with the parent she wanted to live with).

[Heatherjayne1972]

Is that done through the courts tho? He was violent towards me ( never towards the kids- he was more neglectful towards them). I have a non mol out against him. Does that make a difference or can she still say she's going to live there?

[Whatdoesntkillyou16]

I think you need to ask a solicitor this, really. It wouldn't surprise me if it made no difference as he hasn't been violent to her - but I don t kniw for sure

[RedHelenB]

I wonder why she now wants to live with her Dad?

[Heatherjayne1972]

Well redhelen. Apparently dad is 'more fun'. By that she means he lets her stay up late/eat rubbish/ go to the pub/ drink alcohol/ not do homework if she doesn't want to /not go to school. Unlike boring mum who thinks some of those things are shall we say not a good idea. She's 13 - he treats her like a flatmate That's why I feel she would be better with me