Questions You Want Answered > Child Custody and Support > At what age can a child choose where to live?
In Maryland, a child age 16 or over may petition the court for a change in custody in his or her own name. That petition is treated the same as if a parent had asked the court to modify or award custody. A child's preference if they are younger than age 16, is simply a factor to be be weighed by the judge in making a custody decision. Obviously, the older and more mature the child, the greater the weight the judge gives to their preference.
Last updated on July 19, 2010 by Karen Robbins, Attorney at Law