Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

Re: child custody

Florida law doesn't set an age at which a child can decide where he or she wants to live, though the law does say the judge should take the child's opinion into consideration. Despite that, most judges don't really let the child decide until he or she is about 17. Often, a judge will listen somewhat to the opinion of a 15- or 16-year-old, but judges don't rely too much on the opinion of a child any younger than that.

Re: child custody

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The law in Florida does not set an age but children are generally NOT allowed to decide where to live. As they get older, a court may listen to their thoughts but the decision still rests with the court until they reach the age of majority, get married or become emancipated.

Scott R. Jay, Esq.