Can I choose which parent to live with at 15?

Asked by: Antonietta Kiehn  |  Last update: May 26, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (21 votes)

In California, children cannot choose where to live until they are 18 years old, but their preferences may be taken into account in custody decisions. If a child is 14 years or older, the court must listen to their opinion regarding where they would like to live unless it is deemed not in their best interest.

Can I choose where I want to live at 15?

Child's Preference

In California, a child is considered to be “of sufficient age” to express a preference when they are at least 14 years old. Thus, any minor over the age of 14 years old has the right to express their preference of which parent they would prefer to live with after the parents' divorce or separation.

Can a 15 year old choose which parent to live with?

No. A child doesn't get to choose who they want to live with. That being said, the Judge will often take into consideration the child's preference when they are of a certain age and maturity. It is common for the Court to give a teenager's opinion some weight.

Can my 15 year old son chose to live with me?

It does happen. From a legal perspective, however, that decision doesn't fall to the child. No matter what the age. Until they turn 18, they have to abide by the parenting plan.

What if a child wants to live with another parent?

Keep Communication Open. Give your child a safe space to share with you why they want this change. You can certainly have boundaries that the conversation has to stay respectful but remember that goes both ways. Let them speak.

When Can My Child Choose which Parent They Live With

35 related questions found

At what age can a child say they dont want to live with a parent?

However, family law courts typically hold parents responsible for following the court's custody order. It is important to note that in most family courts, until your child is 18, they do not get to decide with which parent they live or how often they see each parent.

What is cold mother syndrome?

Cold mother syndrome refers to a parenting style characterized by emotional distance, dismissiveness, and rejection. This type of mothering is often accompanied by a lack of emotional availability and neglect of a child's emotional needs.

Can I go live with my dad at 15?

Your father will have to file a modification of custody in court in order for you to live with him full time and change the current order. Because even if your mother agrees, only a court order will legally change custody and child support.

Can I decide who I want to live with at 16?

In California, children cannot choose where to live until they are 18 years old, but their preferences may be taken into account in custody decisions. If a child is 14 years or older, the court must listen to their opinion regarding where they would like to live unless it is deemed not in their best interest.

Can a 15 year old move out alone?

If you want to move out and be completely independent of your parents or guardians, consider legal emancipation. While most places declare 18 to be the age of majority, or legal independence, there are some places that offer exceptions for emancipation without an intense legal process.

Can a mother refuse access to the father?

The answer to this question is almost always “no,” especially if there is a court order granting custody and parent-time to your child's father. What follows are potential exceptions to this general rule, but you should not withhold your child without discussing it with an experienced family law attorney beforehand.

What to do when your child only wants the other parent?

Here's how to honor their choices with kindness and grace—even if your little sweet pea isn't expressing their preferences with much grace:
  1. Find a routine the whole family can share. ...
  2. Model polite language. ...
  3. Empathize with their feelings. ...
  4. Lighten the mood. ...
  5. Give your child something they can control. ...
  6. Find a good stand in.

What if my child doesn't want to visit his father?

Notify and involve the other parent

If your child refuses visitation, notify your co-parent as soon as possible. Use a method of communication that can document the incident and can prove when you told your co-parent.

Can a 15 year old decide where they want to live?

Ultimately, the California Family Code dictates that children cannot choose where to live until they are 18 years old. Each case is different, and the judge will decide how much weight to give to the child's preference using broad discretion.

How to be independent from your parents at 15?

There are three ways to get emancipated:
  1. Get legally married. In California, anyone under 18 must have a parent's permission and get permission from the court to get married.
  2. Join the military. If you are under 18, you must have permission from your parent and the military.
  3. Get a court order saying you are emancipated.

At what age can a child pick which parent they live with?

What Is the Age Factor for a Child to Choose Their Custodial Parent? In California, a minor at least 14 years old can be considered “of sufficient age” to express a preference for which parent they want to live with.

What if a child doesn't want to live with a parent?

If a child doesn't want to live with a parent, it might be a safety issue. If your child is old enough, ask what is happening there that makes him or her not want to go. For small children, ask them to draw a picture of life at Daddy's house. A professional counselor and lawyers might need to be involved.

What if a child wants to live with the other parent?

At What Age Can A Child Pick Their Custodial Parent? After the age of 12, a child can request to speak with a judge in person to discuss reasons for living with the other parent. One or both parents must make the request for the child or in some cases a guardian ad litem may be appointed to represent the child.

At what age can children make decisions on their own?

Prior research establishes that children's involvement in decisions (either deciding with parents or deciding on their own) increases over ages nine to 13 (Yee and Flanagan 1985), while decision autonomy (deciding without parental input) increases over ages 12–17 (Dornbusch et al.

Can you move in with your boyfriend at 15?

A child under 18 is still technically under the legal control of her parents, which means they can decide things like where she lives. If your child wants to move out and hasn't turned 18 yet, then she legally can't do it without your permission unless the child is emancipated.

Can I call the police if my child refuses to come home?

Is it possible to call the police on your own child if they run away and refuse to come home? What actions can the police take in this situation? Your child is a run away, call it in as such. If you know where they are let the police know as well, it's against the law to harbor a run away.

What if my son wants to live with his dad?

If he is going to be safe at his father's, perhaps this is an option. However, if you don't feel that his dad's is an appropriate home for him, then you need to make the decision soon. ​Either way, let your son know that your rules and expectations are not going to change regardless of where he lives.

What is mommy daddy syndrome?

Mommy and daddy issues both come from attachment issues with your caregivers. If you have mommy issues, these are psychological problems that you may experience due to insecure attachment with your mother that forms in childhood. Daddy issues come from insecure attachment with your father that starts in childhood.

What is super mom syndrome?

“Supermom Syndrome” refers to a mother's constant need to accomplish everything possible perfectly, often setting unattainable goals for herself. Tell-tale signs of Supermom Syndrome: Everything relating to the household has to be in perfect condition all the time.

What is the unloved daughter syndrome?

Unloved Daughter Syndrome refers to a psychological condition where individuals experience feelings of neglect, emotional deprivation, and low self-worth due to a perceived or actual lack of affection, validation, or support from one or both parents, typically the mother.