What age can a child pick which parent to live with in Arizona?

The short answer: In Arizona is there is no “magic” age. The longer answer is that the child’s wishes are one of the factors the court must consider in determining custody (“legal decision making”) or parenting time, if the child is of suitable age and maturity pursuant to Arizona law[1].

Can a 13 year old choose which parent to live with in Arizona?

Answer: Arizona law does not generally allow a minor child to formally “choose” which parent he or she will live with.

Can my 10 year old daughter choose to live with me?

In law, there is no fixed age that determines when a child can express a preference as to where they want to live. However, legally, a child cannot decide who they want to live with until they are 16 years old. Once a child reaches the age of 16, they are legally allowed to choose which parent to live with.

At what age can a child refuse visitation in Arizona?

Arizona law states that the child must be “of suitable age and maturity,” but it doesn’t specify a particular age (ARS 25-403). In that sense, a child cannot outright refuse visitation with a parent until the child turns 18.

How can a mother lose custody of her child in Arizona?

1. Physical Abuse. In the state of Arizona, it is permissible to use force with children “to the extent reasonably necessary and appropriate to maintain discipline” as stated in ARS 13-403. Because of this and the obvious immediate dangers, parents can lose custody of their children due to physical abuse.

Can a 12 year old choose which parent to live with in Arizona?

In Arizona, there is simply no magic age at which a child gets to decide which parent they can live with when their parents divorce. Despite this, your child’s wishes can be considered by the court no matter how old they are.

How do you prove a parent unfit in Arizona?

Arizona’s Criteria For Evaluating An Unfit Parent

1. Childcare involvement.
2. Child’s safety with parent.
3. Child’s attitude towards parent.
4. Parent’s attitude towards ex-partner.
5. Age-appropriate limits.
6. Personal and social functioning.
7. Mental capacity.
8. Substance abuse.