Legal Question in Family Law in Arizona

At what age can a child choose which parent he or she would like to live with?

My Grandson age 11 has ask me to hire an attorney to help him to move from his mothers house and be able to live with his father. My Grandson is a bright--name removed--child and has told both his mother and father that he wants to live with his father. His father has visitation rights now and does not want to return to his mothers after visitations. He has talked about running away and his father has told him that would not work. Let me know if my Grandson is old enough to tell the judge where he would like to live and if he is in fact old enough.

Thanks in advance for your help,

Riley


Asked on 4/21/06, 11:17 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Rich Peters R. J. Peters & Assoc., P.C.

Re: At what age can a child choose which parent he or she would like to live with?

Riley:

In Arizona, a Judge MUST consider the desires of the child, of any age really, so long as the child has sufficient age and maturity to express an opinion. 11 year olds are generally well able to do so, and it sounds as if this 11 year old is certainly able to do so.

The child's opinion is only one factor of many. However, I would expect that the child's desires, coupled with whatever is going on at Mom's home that has led to this desire, would be sufficient.

I can explain the procedures better by phone or in person. As you can imagine, there is too much to cover via e'mail. We offer free 1/2 hour consultations, in which we can discuss the matter in more detail.

Please call me directly to discuss the specifics of the case, or contact my assistant Alicia to schedule a free 1/2 hour consultation.

/s/ Rich J. Peters, Attorney

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R. J. PETERS & ASSOC., P.C.

1422 N. 2nd Street, Suite 100

Phoenix, Arizona 85004

602x254x7251

602x254x1229 (facsimile)

see our web page at www.familylawaz.com

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Answered on 4/21/06, 3:37 pm


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