Right of minor to nominate guardian

(a) If the minor is above the age of fourteen years, he or she may in the presence of the circuit or family court, or in writing acknowledged before any officer authorized to take the acknowledgment of a deed, nominate his or her own guardian, who, if approved by the court, shall be appointed accordingly. (b) If the minor is below the age of fourteen years and, if the court determines it is in the best interests of the minor, the court may consider the firm and reasonable preferences of a minor who, in the discretion of the court, is sufficiently matured that he or she can intelligently express a preference. He or she may in the presence of the circuit or family court, or in writing acknowledged before any officer authorized to take the acknowledgment of a deed, nominate his or her own guardian, who, if approved by the court, after giving that preference the weight warranted by the circumstances, shall be appointed accordingly. (c) If the guardian nominated by the minor is not appointed by the court, or if the minor resides outside the state, or if, after being summoned, the minor neglects to nominate a suitable person, the court may appoint the guardian in the same manner as if the minor were under the age of fourteen years.