help with child custody

[dashook2847076]

I have three kids. The oldest are twins and 15. the youngest is 12. At what age can the kids decide what parent they want to live with? if they don't want to visit with the other parent at what age can they make that decision?

Thanks

[Attorney Cheri Hobbs]

This is a tough question and largely dependent on which county your case is filed in. In Orange County the court is very reluctant to have a minor testify in court as to which parent they want to reside with. Sometimes parents hire a guardian ad litem (a neutral third party) to represent to the court the best interests of the children. You may try to file a Motion to Allow Minor to Testify at the trial or a temporary hearing for the 15 year old twins. It is highly unlikely for the court to allow a minor under the age of 14 testify.

[dashook2847076]

Thanks for the info.
The county would be Pasco. How would one find a guardian ad litem? Do both parties have to agree on this person?
Thanks

[Attorney Howard Iken]

In Pasco the judges may agree to appoint a volunteer guardian ad litem, if available. In that county, the guardian ad litems are normally volunteer family law attorneys.

More often than not, that is an option only in high conflict divorce cases.