Legal Question in Family Law in Missouri

Re: child custody and residency of the child

Missouri law governing child custody does not allow the child to choose who he or she will live with. That decision is up to the court. Although the court will usually approve a determination agreed upon by the parents, the court is not required to do so. The law requires a court to consider several different factors in determining what custodial arrangement is in the best interest of the child, and the court is allowed by the law to consider the child's opinion. However, the child's opinion does not determine the final decision. I hope that this has been helpful for you. If you need to go to court to obtain an Order determining or changing custody, you may feel free to contact me.