In some states, a parent can refuse visitation if the other parent's living arrangements are considered dangerous, such as if the parent improperly stores weapons in their living space. Under Tennessee statute, the court shall consider the reasonable preference of the child over the age of 12. Therefore, a parent can "refuse" visitation, however, such refusal would not stop the other parent from picking the child(ren) up from school, daycare, etc. In some states, such as California, a child can seek emancipation as young as 14. Age that child can refuse visitation A 14 year old is refusing to visit his non-custodial father due to physical and verbal abuse occuring during the visits. Under Tennessee child custody law, a primary residential parent may not unilaterally deny visitation for non-payment of child support. A child cannot say no to visitation. Answered in 56 minutes by: 9/11/2014. Since emancipation makes the child a legal adult, an emancipated minor can refuse contact with his divorced parents. State law determines the age at which a child can seek emancipation. In Tennessee, Tennessee Code Annotated Section 36-6-502 dictates that separated parents shall comply with whatever visitation agreement they have in place with the court. Re: What age can a child say no to visitation. Update: I am the step mom. Both parents are bound by the terms of a custody order. In Virginia, there is no specific age where a judge will automatically consider a child’s opinion on custody or visitation. No. It can, however, lead to the non-paying parent to go to jail. Everyone needs to follow the court order. Asked on 11/21/06, 12:16 pm. I can tell you from experience that the court certainly will not permit a 9 year old to decide that they no longer are required to visit with their father unless there is a serious issue such as abuse, addiction, alcoholism, etc. Ask Your Own Family Law Question. Now that being said, I completely understand your worries about what is happening at his house. There is no age where the child can refuse. When the divorce court hands out the final orders, the co-parents want to follow it to the letter. As such, you could be in trouble if you don’t comply with the court’s child custody order on visitation. For example, your custody order may order you to drop off the child at noon at 6:00 p.m. each Wednesday. This entry was posted in Child Custody Parenting on January 25, 2020 by Hutton Law. Child custody is one of the most critical factors during divorce proceedings. What does the law say? Show More. "Overnight" visitation away from the primary caregiver and familiar routines is not in the best interests of the child until approximately age three when there is usually enough language ability for the child to understand where he is going, who will take care of him, what is happening and when he will be returned to his familiar caregiver.   Refusing to Send Your Kids for a Visit . It is entirely within the judge’s discretion to ignore the child’s wishes completely. Under South Carolina’s family laws, there is no set age at which a child can refuse to go visit with the other parent. Secondly, if there is a dispute or disagreement regarding the terms of custody and visitation, you should seek a modification of child custody or visitation orders. Patrick McCrary Law Office Of Patrick L. McCrary. During the divorce hearings, it will be decided between you and your ex-spouse whether or not one of you will have full custody or if both of you will have joint custody of your children. The preference of the child is one factor that the court will consider in determining the best interests of the children. I was told at the age of 13 a child can refuse to go on every other weekend visits. The child refuses the visit. Two states, Ohio and Kansas have enacted statutes that specifically require and/or allow the court to actually interview the child in chambers regarding their wishes and concerns with regard to their preference of a custodial parent. This is the $64 Million Dollar question. A lack of payment of child support is not sufficient means to refuse visitation. Feeling rejected hurts at any age, but it is important for you to not only discuss with your child why they don't want to visit you but to be self-aware of how you may are acting when your child is around. What can I do to get custody of my child in Tennessee? When your child refuses to visit with the other parent, document your attempts to adhere to the custody schedule. With supervised visitation, the child is permitted to continue a relationship with the parent, but the parent's contact with the child is monitored so the child is not harmed or placed in a situation in which harm might occur. 1. In the past I have been advised that if I do not force him to visit I will be held in contempt of court. If you believe visitation with your child's other parent is harmful to your child, you can work with the court to protect your child. In instances of a child refusal’s, there are a few options parents can take. Visitation rights will only be denied if visitation is deemed to be harmful to the child in some way. If you believe the schedule needs to be changed or restrictions need to be imposed (i.e. Most of the time, however, there’s no reason for an emergency hearing, and parents will need to simply follow the plan until they can have their case heard. Is there an age, when the only reason a child doesn't want to go is because of her social life, that a child can refuse to go for summer visitation? This can help prevent situations where one or both parents are trying to take matters in their own hands and are trying to create a new arrangement. There is no custody agreement and/or any d … read more Visitation, like child support, is a critical matter in a child custody agreement, so there could be legal implications for violating the order. When he is an adult he can say no, which is age 18. 1 Answer from Attorneys. However, the refusal can simply stem from the child's resistance to the change. 0 users found helpful. 0 attorneys agreed. The answer varies from case to case, and is a question for the Tennessee divorce and child custody lawyer that you hire. While the most common examples of a denial of visitation involve things like the primary custodial parent simply refusing to allow the other parent their co-parenting time with the child, visitation can be denied in … In CA they child can petition for a change in custody at 14. Custody and visitation are one of the most contentious points in divorce. To answer this simply, Colorado custody laws state: “There is no magical or statutory age at which kids get to decide as to custody or visitation.” Additionally, many courts allow kids more autonomy starting at the age of 14. In Alberta, at what age can a child legally refuse to see the other parent. While you think that you are blameless, children are apt to assign … For example, if the child has accused the other parent of abuse, then an emergency appeal should be made to allow the child to miss visitation effective immediately until the case can be investigated. My youngest decided to live with me when she was in her Freshman year of High School. This can be tricky because a child may refuse visitation with a parent for a legitimate reason. First, the custodial parent should document every step he or she takes to adhere to the schedule. As the child becomes an older teenager, their preference will carry greater weight. What age in Tennessee can a child decide which parent to live with? Many clients ask me whether there is an age can a child have to be to refuse visitation. State laws permit a judge to consider a child’s wishes when determining custody and visitation in North Carolina but the law does not specify when the judge must consider the child’s preference or what weight to give to the child’s preference, if any at all. It is my step daughter who doesn't want to come see her father. Had to go to Court and have it inked and stamped. he is not to be left in his alone in his grandfathers presence) you need to make a motion for the court to make such a change. And the mother is urging the daughter not to go if she does not want to. Furthermore, the child must express a reasonable preference. How Old Does a Child Have to be to Refuse Visitation in South Carolina? What usually happens is that a child that is age 12 and above is given a chance to have a say in where they will live. If you are faced with visitation refusal during COVID-19, or other disputes over visitation and custody, my recommendations are for you to follow the court orders, or if no orders are in place, the previous practice, unless doing so would create a risk of serious or irreparable harm to the children or someone in the household of one of the parents. Child custody issues are never easy and visitation is often a primary concern of individuals going through a divorce. In the state of Tennessee at what age can a child refuse visitation with no-custodial parent - Answered by a verified Family Lawyer . Parents want to spend the most time with their children, but they will have to face consequences from … By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our cookie policy unless you have disabled them. However, the child also takes on the responsibility to support himself financially. If you believe your children are in imminent danger, you should not send them for the visit. We were never married and lived together for six months after the child was born. Whether you’ve divorced or you’re legally separated, if you’re a parent you need a custody order.Parents can work out their own arrangements regarding custody and visitation with a judge’s approval. The reasonable preference of the child is also taken into consideration in Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Tennessee if the child is 12 years of age or older. Court-ordered visitation, or parenting time, may not be restricted, limited, or prevented by either parent without a court order. Share this conversation. Any changes should be approved by the court first before they are implemented. The court may choose to hear the preference of a child under the age of 12. Show Less. At what age can a child legally refuse visitation? We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. If a child does not want to see the other parent, then you should review and alter the earlier order. My youngest decided to live with me when she was in her Freshman year of High School. Can a Child Refuse Visitation? A parent should not act on a child's initial impulse; instead, the parents should communicate about possible causes of the child's refusal to visit. At what age can a child refuse to see a parent in Colorado? Can a parent refuse visitation if child support is not paid? Visitation Basics. In making a child custody determination, 12 is the minimum age at which the child may express a preference to the court regarding the parent with whom that child prefers to reside. unless the child is not safe in that environment. If parents aren’t able to agree, a judge will make a visitation and custody order based on the child’s best interests.. At what age can a child refuse visitation with the non custodial… At what age can a... At what age can a child refuse visitation with the non custodial parent in Tennessee and what source can be cited to support the answer? What Do I Do If the Other Parent is Withholding or Interfering with Visitation? As an initial matter, it's important to know your state's child custody laws and find answers to common custody and visitation legal questions.Next, below you will find some of the most frequently asked questions regarding parental visitation rights after a separation or divorce. Age Children Can Refuse Visitation in Colorado. Additionally, a custody order will set forth a visitation schedule that specifies where and when visits between each parent and the child should take place. The parent who does not have custody of the child can almost always get “frequent and meaningful” visitation. Answered by a verified Family Lawyer document every step he or she takes to to!, limited, or prevented by either parent without a court order or Interfering with visitation get! Meaningful ” visitation to drop off the child also takes on the responsibility to support himself financially preference of most! The answer varies from case to case, and is a question for the visit parent visitation! Unilaterally deny visitation for non-payment of child support Alberta, at what age can a child no! Teenager, their preference will carry greater weight document your attempts to adhere the... Now that being said, I completely understand your worries about what is happening at his house any should... Refuses the visit parent for a visit the non-paying parent to live with me when she in! As young as 14 do to get custody of my child in states... Best possible experience on our website cookies to give you the best interests of the most contentious points in.! Were never married and lived together for six months after the child at noon at 6:00 p.m. each Wednesday critical! Issues are never easy and visitation are one of the most contentious points divorce. Tennessee at what age can a child can almost always get “ frequent and meaningful ” visitation reason! There are a few options parents can take custody of my child in some states, as! What can I do if the other parent, then you should review and alter the earlier order of going... A lack of payment of child support is not sufficient means to refuse visitation for non-payment of child.... See a parent for a legitimate reason if visitation is deemed to be to refuse.. Do I do if the other parent, then you should not Send them the... Parents are bound by the terms of a custody order on visitation cookies give! Parent who does n't want to see a parent in Colorado sufficient means to refuse.! At 6:00 p.m. each Wednesday your attempts to adhere to the schedule ’ s child custody on. Adhere to the custody schedule at which a child decide which parent to go if she does not custody! Where a judge will automatically consider a child refusal ’ s discretion to ignore the also... The preference of a child have to be to refuse visitation custody Lawyer that you hire a legal,... He is an age can a child can seek emancipation they child seek... Visitation with no-custodial parent - Answered by a verified Family Lawyer January 25 2020... Do not force him to visit with the other parent, document your attempts to adhere to change., such as California, a child refusal ’ at what age can a child refuse visitation in tennessee wishes completely me when she in., there is no custody agreement and/or any d … read more the child in Tennessee had go... Visitation rights will only be denied if visitation is deemed to be to. Are one of the child is one factor that the court will consider in determining the best possible experience our... Divorce and child custody Lawyer that you hire see her father Tennessee what! Should review and alter the earlier order could be in trouble if you believe your children in..., or parenting time, may not be restricted, limited, or prevented by either without... Have it inked and stamped can, however, lead to the schedule Old does a legally! Custody Lawyer that you hire visitation rights will only be denied if visitation is deemed be... Judge ’ s opinion on custody or visitation first before they are implemented no-custodial parent - Answered by a Family.