At what age may a child choose with whom to live?
The magic number in almost every single state is… (drum roll, please)… 18. (If it’s not 18, Alaska, Alabama, Mississippi, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming are the only exceptions, the age is even higher, either 19 or 21; see Age of Majority.) Upon 18th birthday, child becomes adult, and may legally choose to live anywhere they please, either with a parent, or both, or neither. Prior to that age, all children (unless they have taken the necessary steps to legally emancipate themselves earlier) are bound by the custody order in existence between the parents. Moreover, it is the parents’ responsibility to ensure that the children comply with those orders. Failure to do so may result in contempt citations against the (ir)responsible parent. However, if custody is currently being decided, or currently being modified, then some children in some cases may be granted the opportunity to present their opinions and feelings to the court. Generally speaking, the courts are looking for child
