Child Custody: Your Child's Choice

While both parents have a say regarding child custody, you may be surprised at just how much weight the court can give to your child as well in making a final decision.

No matter what state you reside in, a judge will always do what is in the best interests of the child(ren) in question. In some cases, the child may be asked to contribute his/her opinion about the child custody settlement. Depending on the maturity, age and reasons provided by the child, a judge could be convinced to grant the wishes of the child, even if it goes against those of one or both parents.

In most cases, only the requests of older children will be taken seriously. If the judge believes that the child was coached to say something in particular in court, or if the child gives vague reasons for wanting to stay with one parent over the other, the judge may not to take the child's request into consideration.

Have questions about child custody and the impact it will have on you and your children? Contact Claery & Green now to discuss your case with an understanding Los Angeles family law attorney now.