Can a child choose which parent she wants to live with?

Although the law specifically permits children at least 14-years-old to express an opinion, there is no specific age when a judge will listen to a child’s opinion. California statutes also permit a child younger than 14 years old to testify regarding a custodial preference, unless the court decides it’s not in the …

What if child does not want to go with non custodial parent?

A parent who refuses to allow the other parent to see the child or fails to follow the terms of a custody order could face contempt charges. The parent missing out on visitation can file an Order to Show Cause with the court stating that the other parent is preventing visits.

When does sole legal custody become the default?

In many states, sole legal custody is becoming less common unless joint legal custody is deemed unsafe for the child. As a result, joint legal custody —which means parents share in the decision-making 1 —is becoming the default decision in many family court systems. Here are the pros and cons of sole legal custody.

Can a parent have physical custody and sole legal custody?

For that to happen, they need to also have sole legal custody. This type of custody gives one parent the legal right to make all decisions regarding the children. Sometimes physical custody and sole legal custody are awarded together, but this is not always the case. A parent can have physical custody and not have sole legal custody or vice versa.

What does sole custody mean in a divorce?

1 Physical Custody. During divorce proceedings, the court will grant physical custody to one parent. 2 Legal Custody. Regardless of physical custody, both parents usually have joint legal responsibility of their child. 3 Sole Custody. If the court awards you both physical and legal responsibility of your child, you will have sole custody.

What are the pros and cons of sole legal custody?

1 Can be discouraging and disheartening for the parent that is not awarded sole legal custody 2 May become a source of resentment and conflict 3 Can be overwhelming for one parent to make all the major decisions alone 4 May limit the involvement of one parent and potentially causes children to view that parent as less important

Can a parent have sole custody of a child?

One parent may have legal sole custody rights, but share physical custody through a visitation agreement. One parent may have sole physical custody, but the other parent may share in decisions about the child. It is rare for the courts to award sole physical and legal custody to a parent, unless the court deems that one parent is unfit.

What makes a parent unfit for sole custody?

Examples of what might make a parent unfit include: a history of violence, mental instability, drug or alcohol abuse, or neglect of the child. Even then, visitation rights might be granted under a supervised visitation agreement.

Can a noncustodial parent lose custody of a child?

The answer is probably yes, although there may be solutions less extreme than losing custody of a child. The court may order the noncustodial parent to see the children more in the evenings and after school so that parent can attend to homework.