What happens if a child doesn't want to see his father?

Asked by: Rod Schmidt  |  Last update: June 11, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (33 votes)

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 father?

If a child expresses a desire not to see their father, it is generally recommended to address the situation through the legal system. Parents may need to go back to court to seek modifications to the existing custody arrangement, presenting evidence and arguments to support any changes.

At what age can kids say they don't want to see their dad?

At What Age Can Teenagers or Other Children Refuse Visitation? Children who are considered legal adults (age 18 in most states) may always refuse to spend time with a parent. Technically, any child who is not yet a legal adult isn't allowed to refuse visitation.

Can I force my child to see his dad?

You cannot physically force a fifteen-year-old child to see a parent if they don't want to. Threatening your teen with punishment will likely hurt more than it will help. The hard truth is that teenagers would likely rather be with their friends than their parents.

What if a child does not want to go to dads?

If a child doesn't want to live with a parent, it might be a safety issue. If your child is old enough, ask what is happening there that makes him or her not want to go. For small children, ask them to draw a picture of life at Daddy's house. A professional counselor and lawyers might need to be involved.

What if my child doesn’t want to visit their other parent? Do I have to force them?

31 related questions found

Does my son have to see his dad if he doesn't want to?

The court will always encourage that children have a relationship with both parents. Therefore, children should always be encouraged by Mum to go and see Dad if it's a safe and loving environment. If there's a reason for them not wanting to go and see their Dad, then that needs to be looked into to try and resolve it.

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.

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.

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.

Can I legally keep my child away from his father?

A mother can only keep a child away from their father in California if there is legitimate concern about the child's safety because of the father's behavior. Withholding visitation because of reasons deemed unrelated to a child's well-being can come with problems for the parent withholding visitation.

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.

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 one parent withhold a child?

Under California law, both parents are presumed to have a right to custody and visitation. Thus, if no existing order establishes custody of a child, either parent can seek court intervention to establish custody.

How to tell a child their dad doesn't want to see them?

Don't lie to them, keep it factual, answers such as “Daddy lives too far away” or “Mummy has chosen to live with John” if questioned, can be followed up with lots of reassurances of love and “I will always be with you” from you.

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.

Why does my child reject one parent?

Understand that it's a good sign.

If a child feels comfortable actively rejecting one parent, that means she's securely attached, Dr. Heard-Garris said. That may sound counterintuitive, but if a child were unsure of a parent's love, she would cling to any scrap of affection, Dr.

How long does a father have to be absent to lose his rights in the UK?

Therefore, there is no time limit as to how long a father must be absent to lose his parental responsibility in respect of his child, whether it be weeks, months or even years.

At what age can a child make their own decisions?

The typical age when this begins is between twelve (12) and thirteen (13) years old. However, age is merely a proxy for a child's stage of development or level of maturity. Children may be permitted to make their own decisions where they are younger and have a higher level of maturity.

What parent should not say to a child?

There's no reason to be scared.”

By saying this, you're invalidating your children's feelings. Over time, your children may start to suppress their feelings. They may even have trouble expressing their emotions.

Can you be forced to take custody of a child?

If the parent does not want custody of their own child, the courts will find a place for her. Noa parents cannot be forced.

Can a 16 year old decide who they want 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.

What is a 85 15 custody schedule?

An 85/15 split means one care day a week for one parent. A schedule that works OK at all ages is to have the weekly visit alternate between Saturday and Sunday.

What is cold mother syndrome?

Cold mother syndrome refers to a parenting style characterized by emotional distance, dismissiveness, and rejection. This type of mothering is often accompanied by a lack of emotional availability and neglect of a child's emotional needs.

What is narcissistic parental alienation syndrome?

It is a process of psychological refusal from a child towards his/her parent as a result of the influence of the other parent. Such a phenomenon usually emerges from conflictual conditions and, notably, in cases of child custody disputes, evolving into “emotional abuse”4,5.

What to do when your child shuts you out?

Five Tips When Estranged and Cut Off From Your Child
  1. Get Support. Being cut off by your child, with no ability to understand, communicate and resolve things, is difficult enough. ...
  2. Don't Cut off in Response. ...
  3. Don't Feed the Anger. ...
  4. Listen to Your Child Without Defending Yourself. ...
  5. Focus on Yourself, Not Your Child.