Legal Question in Family Law in Georgia

Can a child choose?

I have a 15 year old step daughter that wants to move in with her Dad, me, and my two children. Her mom says that she has no say so as to what the judge would tell her. My problem is this, my stepdaughter has gotten into drugs and also trouble at school. It would be better for her to live in a more stable enviroment, I am by no means saying that I we are perfect, just that her mom is too worried about being her friend and not her parent. We are not rich, we struggle just like other people to make ends meet, what can we do to solve this and keep from a long drawn out court case? Thank you.


Asked on 4/23/03, 10:13 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Charles W. Field Charles W. Field, Attorney at Law

Re: Can a child choose?

There is no way to guarantee there won't be a long, drawn out legal battle. That will depend on how much of a fight the mother wants to put up. A child of 14 has the right to choose, as long as the parent she chooses is shown not to be a fit parent.

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Answered on 5/01/03, 11:29 am
Pearlie Bush

Re: Can a child choose?

The father can petition the courts for a change of custody. The daughter can elect to live with the father if she chooses to do so. If she does elect to live with her father, this can make the process a lot easier.

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Answered on 4/24/03, 1:23 pm


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