Legal aspects of settling the dispute on the children place of residence in case their parents chose to live separately

The article is devoted to the analysis of the legislation in force dealing with the issues associated with the protection of rights and interests of the children when settling the disputes about their place of residence raised by the separately living parents. A possibility is researched to settle the dispute by concluding an agreement between the parents about defining the child place of residence. Special attention is given to taking into account the child's opinion depending on his or her age. The legal practice examples are given, including examples from the Russian Federation Constitutional Court practice. The criteria to be used as a guide by the court bodies for settling such disputes are analyzed in detail. The proposals are made on improving the existing family law and its application.