This is because several factors determine a person's bone growth, not age alone. Dental scans are used to determine the maturity of wisdom teeth. These can reach full maturity as early as age 15, as late as 25, or in some cases never fully develop at all.
Even though the law no longer pre-decides on custody, the mother is still more likely to receive custody of a child or the children in a divorce. Specific custody laws vary from state to state, but the one commonality among all that laws is that they strive to determine the âbest interests of the child (children).
When custody must be spelled out because of a couple's divorce, the custody arrangement usually becomes part of the divorce decree. The decree names the parent with whom the child will live, how visitation will be handled, and who will provide financial support. Courts consider a custody award to be subject to change until the child comes of age, and in most states proof of a change in circumstances may overturn an earlier award.