Just left partner

[Tag1969]

Just left my OH and took my 12 year old, our only child together.
For 2 weeks 12 year old has been splitting his time between the both of us. Come back to me tonight saying he wants to live with dad permanently - I don't want this. As parents we never married. Does father have equal rights to child? Can a child choose at the age of 12. Dad has a lovely big house n spare cash to spoil/bribe child with - I do not

I've been told that at age 12 a child could hire their own solicitor (don't quote me on how true that is) but their wishes would be taken into consideration if it went to court. If dad is on the birth certificate then he has all the same rights as you do

You both have equal rights and 12 is old enough to have their wishes taken into consideration.

You are both equal parents with equal rights, although the rights are actually afforded to the child
At 12 your child’s wishes and feelings would certainly be given serious weight although might not get his wish, if fir example there is some demonstrable reason why that’s not in his best interest