Opinion ID: 900500
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Child's Preference

Text: [¶ 30.] If the child is of a sufficient age to form an intelligent preference, the court may consider that preference in deciding custody. SDCL 25-4-45; Hansen, 327 N.W.2d at 49; Isaak, 278 N.W.2d at 447; Pochop v. Pochop, 89 S.D. 466, 233 N.W.2d 806, 808 (1975). We think it is especially important to give attention to the needs and wishes of children either approaching or in adolescence. Of course, the final decision remains in the hands of the court, but the child's concerns deserve consideration. The trial court made no findings on this factor even though Keith emphatically and repeatedly told all the experts that he wanted to remain with his mother.