At what age can a child refuse visitation in Massachusetts?

At what age can a child refuse visitation in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, children can’t decide where they will live until they are at least 18 years old. However, Massachusetts courts must consider a child’s custodial preference when the child is mature enough to have a rational opinion.

Can text messages be used in child custody court?

In family law cases, both sides will need to present evidence to the court to support their proposed property, support, and child custody orders. As long as the text message is sent by one the opposing party, and is a statement against that party’s interest, it may be admissible in court.

What evidence can you use in custody case?

The most common types of evidence offered in a child custody case includes witnesses, journals, emails, text messages, voicemails, letters, photographs, videos, audio recordings, schedules, and records such as financial, medical, school and police reports.

What happens if you ignore a Family Court order?

(Broken court orders) A court order is legally binding. Failure to comply with the court order amounts to contempt of court and a person can, as a last resort, be committed to prison for contempt. A parent cannot be held in contempt though simply for failing to take up the contact given.

Can the police enforce a Family Court order?

Generally, enforcement proceedings are only used in situations where a person has failed to comply with a court order relating to financial matters. The Court will not enforce any orders in relation to a child spending time with a parent if that parent does not want to spend time with the child.

What happens if my ex breaks a court order?

After hearing the application and considering any response, the court may enforce or vary the existing orders, warn the offending party that if they continue to breach orders they will be punished, or simply punish a person by way of fine or even imprisonment (often only as a measure of last resort).

On what grounds can a mother stop access?

Access to your child can be legally prevented by a court order, if there are safety and welfare concerns such as:criminal activity.domestic abuse.drug/alcohol misuse.any other inappropriate behaviour that puts your child at risk.

Can a woman stop a man seeing his child?

This means generally that neither parent has any rights to prevent the other from seeing a child, except where there are safeguarding concerns, or where the welfare of the child may be compromised. As such, unless there are concerns for a child’s welfare, contact with both parents is actively encouraged by the law.

Can a mom stop a dad seeing his child?

A question asked by many parents is can a mother stop a father from seeing child. A father has the same rights as a mother and contact cannot be legally stopped unless there are concerns that further contact could affect the welfare of a child.

What can I do if my child refuses to see me?

If there is a protective order preventing contact in your case, you should notify your attorney that your child is refusing visitation. For example, if you’re scheduled to drop off your child at your ex’s, but your child won’t budge, then you should contact your ex or attorney as soon as possible.

What do I do if my child refuses to visit the father?

You do have to physically take the child to the place of handover as ordered by the Court. It is not enough to simply take the child to handover. If the child says they do not want to go, you have a positive obligation to encourage the child to spend time with the other parent.

What do I do if my child doesn’t want to visit the other parents house?

Encouraging VisitationRemember your role as a parent. Keep in mind that you are the one calling the shots, not your child. Talk to your child about why they don’t want to go. Get your co-parent involved. Make parenting time transitions as smooth as possible.

Can a 14 year old be forced to visit a parent?

Most judges understand that once a child reaches their teens (14 /15 /16 /17), it certainly is difficult to force them to visit with a noncustodial parent when they are adamant about not seeing them, but it truly is not the child’s decision.

Can I call the police if I am denied visitation?

If you’ve been granted visitation already by the court, and your ex is overtly denying your visitation rights, then it’s time to escalate matters and call the police. Call the police. In most situations, the police will not take sides. Instead, they will take notes, which the courts will have the opportunity to review.