Legal Question in Family Law in Missouri

Legal age to chose where to live?

I have a 12 yr old son that lives with his mother in Illinois. We were never married, nor have gone to court for custody. He wants to come and live with me in Missouri. Can he just tell the judge who he wants to live with? What are the steps that I need to take to get this going?


Asked on 2/24/08, 1:04 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Michael R. Nack Michael R. Nack, Attorney at Law

Re: Legal age to chose where to live?

First of all, a twelve year old is not legally allowed to just decide where he lives. second of all, from your question it would appear that you are not even this child's legal father, and so you have no legal rights concerning this child. Perhaps you should consider filing a suit for a determination of paternity and in that suit ask the judge to award custody to you. the judge may consider the child's wishes in making a determination regarding custody.

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Answered on 2/24/08, 4:49 pm


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