At what age can a child refuse to see a parent in California?
Asked by: Rachel Collins V | Last update: June 18, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (47 votes)
When Can a Child Refuse Visitation in California? As in most other states, children in California aren't allowed to refuse to visit a parent under existing visitation orders until they reach adulthood (18 years of age) or otherwise become legally emancipated.
What if my 16 year old doesn't want to see her father?
If a child refuses to visit the other parent, the custodial parent should encourage the child to spend time with the other parent. When children get older, the court may give the older child more discretion in deciding whether or not to visit the non-custodial parent.
At what age will a judge listen to a child in California?
(2) If the child indicating an interest in addressing the court is 14 years old or older, the judicial officer must hear from that child unless the court makes a finding that addressing the court is not in the child's best interest and states the reasons on the record.
What to do if your child refuses to go to the other parent?
If your child is refusing to spend time with the other parent, or is refusing to spend time with you, you should promptly seek legal advice to determine what your options are based on your specific circumstances. A parent at all times is able to have regard to their child's safety and well-being.
What happens when a child doesn t want to visit the other parent in California?
Legal Implications When A Child Refuses Visitation
In the State of California, court-ordered visitation must be followed until or unless there is an official visitation order modification with the courts.
Can a Child Refuse Visitation with a Parent in California? Understanding Child Visitation Rights
At what age in California can a child refuse visitation?
When Can a Child Refuse Visitation in California? As in most other states, children in California aren't allowed to refuse to visit a parent under existing visitation orders until they reach adulthood (18 years of age) or otherwise become legally emancipated.
What happens when a child refuses to go with a parent?
Sometimes, with older children who refuse visitation, it may not be considered the parent's fault if the visit didn't happen. But if a child continually refuses to follow the visitation schedule, regardless of the child's age, then a parent may decide to get the court involved through contempt proceedings.
What do I do if my child doesn't want to see her dad?
If it's a safety issue, then you should get legal advice as soon as possible. Your legal adviser may suggest that you urgently apply to the courts to control or change the nature of the contact between your child and the other parent.
Can I call the police if my child refuses to come home?
Is it possible to call the police on your own child if they run away and refuse to come home? What actions can the police take in this situation? Your child is a run away, call it in as such. If you know where they are let the police know as well, it's against the law to harbor a run away.
Can a 16 year old choose which parent to live with?
In California, children cannot choose where to live until they are 18 years old, but their preferences may be taken into account in custody decisions. If a child is 14 years or older, the court must listen to their opinion regarding where they would like to live unless it is deemed not in their best interest.
At what age can a child refuse to see a parent in Indiana?
In Indiana—“In Indiana, a child's wishes regarding custody are not controlling until the child is at least 14 years old, to help minimize any undue influence from a parent.”
Can a 14 year old decide who they want to live with in Michigan?
Judges will allow children to express a preference. However, children cannot legally choose where to live until they have reached the age of 18 or are determined to be emancipated.
At what age can a child speak for themselves in court in Florida?
There is no age limit. The judge has to make important decisions about all children involved in the case and should get a chance to see them, talk to them, and listen to them.
How do you deal with a child that doesn't want to see you?
Allow your child to ask for a change of times and days when they see you and help them to feel comfortable doing this. If what they're asking for isn't possible, then explain why and work together to find alternative solutions. Remember to listen to your child's point of view.
Can I sue my ex for not letting me see my child?
If your ex won't let you see your child in violation of the custody agreement, the family court can order them to comply with the court order. For more information about enforcing a parenting plan, talk to a child custody lawyer for help.
Can a child choose not to visit a parent in Texas?
At what age can a child legally refuse to visit a parent in Texas? Answer: In Texas, there's no specific age set by law at which a child can legally refuse to visit a parent. Instead, the court considers various factors, such as the child's age, maturity, and the reasons for their refusal.
What can I do if my 16 year old refuses to come home?
- Use a graduated system to rectify the situation.
- Open up a reasonable line of communication with the noncustodial parent.
- Ascertain why the teen does not want to come home.
- Consider the age of the teen and the possibility for a change.
- Involve law enforcement.
- Seek a court order.
- Seek legal assistance.
Can I call the police if my child refuses to listen to me?
These parents are often the victim of their kids' acting out issues, not the cause of them. That is why if your threatening child doesn't respond to your authority, then you may need to bring in another authority, and that's the police.
Can police force a child to go with a parent?
The cops will not force a 16 year old to visit a parent. They won't touch him without an arrest warrant. If the father drove him to his mother's and the son refused to leave the vehicle the police would do nothing. In fact, if an adult tried to force him to leave the vehicle, police could arrest that person.
Can a child say they don't want to see a parent?
Children's wishes are considered in court decisions but do not solely determine the outcome. There isn't a specific age in UK law at which a child can refuse contact with a parent. Courts balance the child's preferences with their welfare.
What if my son is refusing to see his father?
Normally, a parent will seek a change to the child custody order if a child's refusal to see the other parent goes against a court order. The court will try to make orders to repair breakdowns in the family while still ensuring reasonable visitation when deciding custody.
What is a reasonable phone contact with a non-custodial parent?
Most parenting plans and custody orders include a provision regarding the frequency of phone contact between parent and child during the other parent's custodial time. Typical provisions range from a mandated call once a day to unrestricted telephone access.
What is the new custody law in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, parents have the option of sharing 50/50 physical custody or designating one parent as the primary physical custodian while allowing the noncustodial parent significant parenting time. Regarding legal custody, both parents will have partial legal custody regardless of the physical custody schedule.
Can a child reject a parent?
There are many reasons why a child may reject a parent and resist spending time with them or refuse to. This rejection can be a natural consequence of experiences such as parental conflict before or after separation, family violence, personality factors, or poor parenting.
At what age can a child refuse to see a parent in Virginia?
Can a Child Refuse Visitation in Virginia? Legally, children cannot refuse visitation with a parent until they turn 18 years old.