Can a 13 year old decide which parent to live with or have a say in the frequency of visitation?

Answer 1

Depends on the state. They may not have the LEGAL obligation. But if a 13 year old actually makes a request to speak with the Judge. The Judge will speak with him.

I was probably 13 when I asked to speak to the Judge, because I wanted to see my Dad more. So he ruled in my favor, and made him have mandatory bi-weekly visitation.

Its best to have an adult help this teen to go before the Judge. The Judge will probably not speak to him in the actual court but will call him into his "office." I can't remember what they call it.

Answer 2

This has always been a bother to me--If both parents have stable homes and income then what is it going to hurt for the child to decide who they are more comfortable with as well as compatible?? At 13 most kids are on the ball enough to figure out who they want to be with--and how often they want to visit--within good judgment of course--but never allow a teen or any child use or pit one parent against the other--like this week they like the set of rules you set but next week they don't so they want to go live with the other----if they decide then that is it--and make them stick to the decision --Its not fair for any child to uproot a home by going back and forth --not to the child or the parents--

Answer 3

Depends on what state you live in whether the judge will ask your input. Also it depends on what's in the divorce papers. If one of the parents has been beating the other one, the judge has the discretion not to ask you at all.
If no one is asking your opinion, call up the judge (you'll probably get a clerk) and tell them you want to give your input. The clerk may tell you what paperwork to file, if any.

I applaud your asking this so maturely. It's far more common for kids to act like brats in this situation. They're not really brats, they're just angry about being pushed around. For teens, acting like a brat is frequently the only power available.

The problem with acting like a brat is that the rest of your surrounding life suffers. Your grades go down, your friends desert you, people don't find you attractive, but anyone doing drugs is sure to welcome you into their group.

Answer 4

My beef is with the courtroom making a determination based upon the docs' opinion that Chemo is the only scientific care that would desire to take delivery of. i understand lots of folk will say this is, and quite some docs too, yet there are tens of thousands and thousands of maximum cancers survivors who've opted out of Chemo in prefer of organic or option remedies. i don't think of the boy's kinfolk's lawyer did a stable sufficient interest in proposing the information in help of option remedies - there replaced right into a recent report from John Hopkins college pointing out that chemo can do extra injury than stable. additionally, a affected person's physique of strategies is fairly significant for ANY scientific care to artwork - and being compelled to undergo Chemo against his will, is relatively going to influence the consequence of the remedies. If the mothers and dads have been refusing an operation for a burst appendix, or refusing surgical operation to relief tension on a strategies after a head injury, then i could say the courtroom has a real to order scientific care. yet Chemo isn't the only option, and on that element I disagree with the courtroom's determination. individually, i wouldn't in any respect take chemotherapy. i think of that some day it's going to be seen like blood-letting. yet don't get me began on the FDA and massive Pharm! religious perspectives aside, this kinfolk would desire to be allowed to pursue a organic path of scientific look after their son.

Answer 5

It depends upon the state, court judge and psychologists. A mature 13 year old can often decide on his or her own.

When I was 13 I met with both psychologists (representing my mother and father) and they agreed that I was mature enough to make up my own mind. I elected to live with my father and visit my mother every other weekend. My younger siblings had a different visitation schedule.

Divorce is hard on the kids. I hope you don't use them as pawns yet focus on what arrangments would be the easiest on them.

Answer 6

hell no..punch the lil imbecile in the mouth for even wording such a thought...thats why american children are so freaking reatarded parents think they should convine their terms...might as well buy him a leash so he can take you for a walk...after he is done playing his xbox 360...be strong..i am not saying abuse the lil f'er...some dicipline is needed on this mcdonalds feed porkchops you people call children...what a waste of genetic material.....god knows i would punch in the nuts if that secured that your dirty seed would never soil this planet again with a lil spawn from your loins...no he can no decide he is 13 he doesnt even know how to wipe his on rear....and then you wonder why your children grow all messed up...having to chose between parents...next thing you know he is on drugs having divinant sexual experiaces because his messed up parents couldnt just work out their problems by just talking to each other....thank you for making me believe a bit more on why i should never have any children ..thank you...

Answer 7

When i was thirteen i had the same problem and i wanted to see my dad more than what my mom was willing to allow. But if your parents don't compromise it makes it alot harder for you. I would say talk with your mom and dad and let them know what the deal is. I mean if you want more time with one parent you have every right to do that. And as for living with, well if you dont want to live with your mom or vise versa it might end up going to court. beleive me i know first hand. Good luck Girl

Answer 8

yes he can, unless he is not capable of making a decision than the courts will do that for him ... the law out here in Canada states that as of the age of 13 he/she can make his or hers own choice. even if it goes to court the judge will listen to the child more than to the parent going back and forth on it. hope that helps

Answer 9

of course, at 13 you know all about what's going ON and you have a pretty clear idea about what parent is best for what and how much time and needs are spent with each parent and who best suits your needs( in moderation) and kids seems to know more about the love and needs more then we do . we can't measure how much love a child needs

Answer 10

you will meet with a Mediator of the Court and they will take into consideration what your wishes are, but you will not have complete say. Their main goal is to find the best place for you, so they will want to hear what would make you happy