Hey there, my ex and I are going through a custody battle. She moved our daughter 127 km away and now my daughter says she wants to live with her dad because he told her I was unsafe during my hospitalization. I’m wondering, would her opinion really be a big factor in deciding where she should live?
Layperson/not verified as legal professional. Kids are better off with a stable parent. If he’s a good dad and you two can find a peaceful solution, that’s always best.
Layperson/not verified as legal professional. It’s less about what the child wants and more about what’s truly best for her. Stability and a loving home are key.
Layperson/not verified as legal professional. In the US, kids have input at 14, but the judge makes the final call. At 7, it’s too young for them to decide.
Layperson/not verified as legal professional. You should focus on what’s best for her, not on her preferences. Kids shouldn’t be put in the middle. It’s a tough call, but I’ve been there, and sometimes you have to make a decision based on what’s best, not what’s easy.
Layperson/not verified as legal professional. A 7-year-old’s too young to make that call. And usually, one parent moving a child that far requires permission. Has your ex coached her into thinking you’re unsafe?
@Andi
She never actually saw me acting any differently. I asked my ex to take care of her while I figured out what was wrong, and my ex used that time to tell her I was unsafe.
Layperson/not verified as legal professional. I’m a child psychologist, and while I don’t know your situation specifically, I’d say that 7 is too young for this choice. It’s a complex decision, especially if there are mental health factors at play.
Layperson/not verified as legal professional. Personally, I wouldn’t trust her father again if he’s using your hospitalization to scare her.
Attorney (TX). Almost assuredly, no. A 7-year-old is too young to have a say in this.
Layperson/not verified as legal professional. Definitely too young to make that decision. You both should decide together on what’s best for her.