Legal Question in Family Law in Virginia
Chilld Custody
At what age can a child of divorced parents choose with which parent to live in the state of Virginia?
Asked on 8/18/02, 1:17 pm
1 Answer from Attorneys
Lisa Lane McDevitt
McDevitt Law Office
Re: Chilld Custody
The court will only consider the child's opinion if the court deems teh child to be of reasonable intelligency, understanding, age and experience to express such a preference.
In other words, it really depends on the judge whether he or she is willing to listen to the preference of the child. Many judges shy away from such testimony because it puts the child in an AWFUL situation by having to chose between the two parents.
Answered on 8/21/02, 9:31 pm