No, a child cannot legally choose which parent to live with in Massachusetts before turning 18, as the court’s decision is based on the child’s best interests, not their choice. However, a court may consider a mature child’s custodial preferences, especially with older children, but this is just one factor among many and is never the sole deciding factor. For example, a 3-year-old saying they want to live with one parent, or the other, would probably have a limited impact versus a 17-year-old who would more likely control, depending on the reasoning. 

Once a child is 18, although child support can go up to 23, the 18-year-old plus can live with whichever parent they want to. Children do not generally testify in court, but there are aspects of whether it is a Guardian Ad Litem (“GAL”), of probation or family service officer, or an ARC Attorney that are ways to get the child’s input. So, it is an important part of the decision-making for the court, but it does not necessarily control.