Should kids have a vote in who they live with in divorce?
By pastorkayte
@pastorkayte (2255)
United States
July 5, 2010 10:33am CST
When the parents go through a divorce and decide to move on, does the kid get a choice in who they get to live with? I think they should, children are relatively bright about these matters. I think if both parents are reasonable, responsible adults and both have the child's well being at heart, then the child may choose. If it is one of those situations where one of the parents have some real issues then I understand not giving the child a choice but in a normal loving situation the child should get to choose.
2 people like this
4 responses
@lacieice (2060)
• United States
5 Jul 10
Hi pastorkayte
I do agree with you in essence, but there are other considerations.
I think the age of the child is very important. Older children should be given the choice, but younger ones really don't know what to do. Any child will be afraid of hurting the unchosen parent, so they may become very confused. I guess it would all depend on the people involved and the situation.
@pastorkayte (2255)
• United States
5 Jul 10
I think it is that the child should get a choice especially if one parent is moving to another state, and is wanting the kid to move with them, the child would have to move away from all they know and in this case he or she should get to choose.
1 person likes this
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
6 Jul 10
It depends on the situation and the age of the child. The other parent can request that a parent not move out of a certain area and then leave it to the courts. It should never be left to a young child. If the mom is moving far away and the court is ok with that then there very well could be a very good reason.
@lilybug (21107)
• United States
5 Jul 10
I do believe that at a certain age a child should have some input on who they would like to live with as long as it is a situation where both parents are stable. I don't think they should be the one to make the decision, but at least be allowed to give some opinion.
@dawnald (85146)
• Shingle Springs, California
17 Jul 10
Depends on the age of the child. From about 13 or 14, yes, but earlier than that, no.
@edwardjoy2000 (2387)
• United Arab Emirates
5 Jul 10
Well if the child is not in its teen then i dont think they will be able to make the right decision. They would love to stay with both. While staying with one of the parents they would sometimes feel low in life and expect to go to the other parent. So they will not really be in a state of mind to make the right decision.
@pastorkayte (2255)
• United States
5 Jul 10
I see what you are saying and I do agree with you that it should be older children, I just forgot to write it in. Thank you
