So we've talked before about how a divorce can affect the children involved and how it can bring about many different kinds of reactions, but what happens when the kids speak up about it? One thing that Colorado parents may not have or may not have wanted to consider is with whom their children would like to stay. There are many different factors weighed in custody agreements and the kids' preference is quite an important one, a source explains.
While the parents are often the ones most vocal in these disputes, should a child have strong preferences or opinions about where they go, it could sway the decision. One source explains that these requests are taken seriously even if the child is a preteen. However, in some states there are statutes prohibiting children younger than a specific age from being formally considered for their preferences. Teenagers specifically often get to decide some certain terms of the custody agreement, being able to say they do not wish to stay with a parent with whom they do not get along.
It may seem at times like this decision is bigger than just the child's wishes and in many cases that can be correct. One previous case's ruling explains that the decision must take into account several different factors when regarding a child's living preferences, including how old they are, whether or not they might have been swayed by a parent and their personal ability to make the decision.
For Colorado parents going through a contested custody battle, understanding your children's wishes and how they can affect you might be a wise thing to consider. Working with an appropriate lawyer could help you to look through what options may be available for you and your family as you move forward in your custody decision.
Source: The Huffington Post, "Who gets the kids?," Jacqueline Harounian, Esq., Nov. 23, 2012
