Will a judge listen to a 12 year old?

Will a judge listen to a 12 year old?

153.009(a) requires a judge in a nonjury trial or hearing to interview in chambers a child 12 years of age or older to determine the child’s wishes as to conservatorship or as to the person who shall have the exclusive right to determine the child’s primary residence.

Can a 13 year old decide who they want to live with?

A judge may ask a child who is old enough (typically 12 to 14) which parent he or she prefers to live with the majority of the time. A judge will typically do this outside of the courtroom, to keep the child out of the case as much as possible. A judge will use a third-party evaluator to ascertain the child’s wishes.

Can a 12 year old decide not to see a parent?

The court can modify a custody order if (1) the child is at least 12 years of age and expresses a preference of which parent he or she prefers to live with in chambers to the court, and (2) it is in the best interest of the child.

How do you tell a child their dad doesn’t want to see them?

How to Explain an Absent FatherTell the Truth. Don’t Bash Your Child’s Father. Explain That There Are All Kinds of Families. Remind Your Kids That You Love Them. Expect the Questions to Continue.