05/29/2026
One of the most common questions we hear from Texas parents is whether their child can just decide who they want to live with. The answer is more nuanced than most people expect, and it depends heavily on your child's age.
If your child is 12 or older, Texas law allows them to share their preference with a judge in a private meeting. But that preference does not automatically determine the outcome. The court still makes the final call based on the best interest of the child.
Our latest blog breaks down exactly how this works in Texas and what it means for your custody case. Read it now: https://nfamilylaw.com/texas-child-custody-age-preference
Understand how a child’s preference impacts Texas custody cases. Learn about the age 12 rule and how judges determine the best interest of the child in court.