Yes. A judge has very wide latitude in what he chooses to do.
Not arbitrarily. He or she could request the court to issue such an order, but the decision would be made by the judge hearing the case.
The child cannot make that choice. A parent needs to file a challenge, during which a GAL will present the child's view to the judge. Or, arrangement for the child to speak to the judge in private. The judge determines the child maturity, and related factor, in a custody change. see links
There is no automatic age that a child can choose which parent they want to live with in New Hampshire. The judge looks to see if the minor shows sufficient maturity to make the decision without being coerced by either parent.
It is a common misconception that children can chose which parent they want to live with when they reach a certain age. But the bottom line is, while a judge may question the child to see if he or she does have a preference and, if so, why, it is still up to the judge - not the child.
DDS reports to the judge with recommendations.
No, one has to be 18 to be able to have some input in the desicion.
The decision is not yours to make. If your custody was decided by the court, then a motion/petition would have to be presented to the court requesting a change. At your age the judge may place significant weight on your input, but, for reasons perhaps unknown to you, the court decided which parent would best serve your guardianship.
In South Dakota, a child's preference may be considered by a judge in custody matters, but it is not the sole factor. The judge will consider the child's best interests, which include factors such as the child's relationship with each parent, each parent's ability to care for the child, and the child's safety and well-being. Ultimately, the court will make a decision based on what it deems to be in the child's best interests.
Although each state law may differ, no child of any age may usually "pick which parent they want to live with". If the parents cannot reach an agreement, the court will decide after hearing evidence from both parents. In some states and some instances, the judge may interview the child if it is determined the child is sufficiently mature. The judge is looking for information and is not likely to point blank ask the child "Which parent do you want to live with?"
No. However you can make your wishes known either in court, enlisting the help of an attorney or guardian ad litem to make your wishes known to the judge or write to the judge directly expressing your wishes. The judge may take them into consideration, but will ultimately grant custody to the parent he or she feels would provide an environment in the best interests of the child. When you reach age 18, you can decide for yourself without court intervention.
You will have to go to court before a judge and prove to the judge that your parent is mentally unstable and can't make medical descisions for themselves. The Judge will usually refer the person to a psychologist to determine wether they are mentally capable or not. The Judge will give you a ruling based on the results.
A minor child does not get a vote without a Judge's approval. You must be 18 to make your own decisions about where to live.