Legal age for choosing parent in Illinois

[SkeptoLesbo]

What is the age children must be in Illinois in order to choose which parent they would rather live with? Or, if someone has a resource for me to search that would be fine too. Thanks

[pravnik]

This site (which may or may not be correct) says the standard is much the same as it is in Texas: that the wishes of the child, whatever age, are an important factor that must be considered by law, but only one of several in determining the “best interest of the child.” The court will place the child where it should be based on its best interest.

Note: I am a lawyer, but I am not an Illinois lawyer, and not your lawyer. I am not competent to give advice on Illinois family law. If this question is prompted by more than curiosity, you should consult a lawyer licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.

[Duck_Duck_Goose]

Found this, FWIW.

http://www.childcustody.net/24.html
http://www.deltabravo.net/custody/choose.htm
http://www.alllaw.com/articles/family/child_custody/article1.asp

Judges, Not Kids, Decide Custody

by Honorable Anne Kass. Ann Kass is a District Judge in the Second Judicial District State of New Mexico.

Myths abound in divorce court, but one of the most damaging is the notion that when a child reaches the age of 14, it is the child who can decide which parent to live with. That is not true!

< snip >

In making custody decisions, judges consider the parents’ wishes and we consider the children’s wishes. But every one should know that 14-year-olds do not make custody decision!

Second the motion that if you’re having custody issues in your life, you hire a lawyer. There’s a limit to how much help we can give you here.

[SkeptoLesbo]

Thanks, I appreiciate the info!