Under OR child custody laws at what age can a child choose which parent to live with

Please note that I am not licensed to practice law in the state of Oregon. In determining custody, a judge will consider a child's wishes only if the child is mature enough to make an intelligent choice. I have attached a link to the Oregon State Bar's Family Pamphlet on child custody for additional information, but I strongly recommend that you contact a family law attorney in your local area. Good luck.

There is no magic age when children get to decide custody. The best interest of the child is the standard. The law regarding a child's 'right'* to choose is a matter for each State and jurisdiction. The judge in most States, not the child, makes the decision based on the best interest of the child. Although not a standard by any means, many States have begun to give 'consideration' to a child's declaration of custodial preference when the child reaches the age of twelve or thirteen, sometimes fourteen. There are even cases when children of age 9 are allowed to testify. The judge is normally given almost unlimited latitude in whether or not she or he listens to a child and how much weight to give to the child's wishes. In short, there is no specific "age" but the younger the child the less likely for a judge to give the stated preference much weight. Good luck to you. NOTE: This answer is made available by the out-of-state lawyer for educational purposes only. By using or participating in this site you understand that there is no attorney client privilege between you and the attorney responding.