When Kids Want to Live with the Other Parent

When a 5 or 15 year old says to a judge at a family court hearing, “I want to live with my dad [or mom]” most judges will take the child’s statement literally and side with him/her.  
With that said, parents or judges that think it’s the best interest to do what is said by the child during or after a divorce may be mistaken. It could come back to haunt all of them (judges, parents, and the kids when they grow older).
Anyone involved during a legal proceeding when it comes down to “the best interest of the child” will tell you, it’s not a pretty situation for all involved. 
What do you think? Ever been through this yourself?