TENNESSEE Part 35

Does the child have any say in the choice of primary residential parent?

If the child is over 12, the court will hear and consider the child's wishes. If the child is under 12, the court can choose to hear and consider the child's wishes. The older the child, the more weight his or her wishes will be given. However, courts do not look favorably upon a child being coerced or coached. Courts realize that involving a child in such a difficult situation, such as choosing between parents, could cause long-lasting feelings of guilt, which might seriously harm the child.