How old do children who have divorced parents have to be to make there own choices about being in other parents home.If my divorce decree st...

Question

How old do children who have divorced parents have to be to make there own choices about being in other parents home.

If my divorce decree states- The joint petitioner -- wife may resume the use of her former surname of Gonzalez forthwith, does it mean I have to change it or I can change it?

This is in Wisconsin

Answer

Question 1

18 is the age of majority. From teenage on the GAL will listen to the child, but may not act on what they say. The GAL is an attorney that gives recommendations to the court on the best interest of the child. It is still not the same thing as the court listening to the child's desires.

Question 2

MAY is the key word. You do not have to change your name, but you can at any time after the judgment is signed. You just use the judgment to provide those document holders of your legal right to do so. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO.