When parents divorce, they often have questions about what will happen to their relationship with their child. Among the most pressing concerns for many parents is understanding how much their child’s opinion will influence the court’s decision. What should Minnesota parents know?
Does the court listen to a child’s opinion on custody issues?
In Minnesota, the main goal in child custody decisions is to serve the “best interests of the child.” This includes many factors about their life and relationships, including the child’s preferences about their custody arrangement.
Minnesota law does not specify an exact age at which the court must consider a child’s preference. Instead, the court weighs their opinion based on whether the child is mature enough to offer a well-reasoned, independent opinion.
How much weight does a child’s opinion have?
How much a child’s wishes matter in a custody decision depends on their situation. When considering maturity, the court checks how well the child understands the situation and the effects of their preference. This involves their ability to think about both what they want now and what they will need in the future.
It is also important to keep in mind that maturity does not always match up directly with age. Some younger children may be mature enough that the court takes their preferences more seriously. Some older children may not show enough maturity to have their preferences considered heavily, or they may base their preferences on superficial issues.
While a child’s preference matters in custody decisions, it does not override a thorough review of what will best support the child’s overall well-being. Understanding these details can help parents prepare better for custody hearings and support their children during the divorce process.