AboutJeff Laatsch Expertise WA Law with respect to family court issues: order to show cause/notice of motions, establishing or modification of an order, custody, visitation, child support, parenting schedules, mediation, preparations and filings of all documents: International relocation experience: Create a win/win/win situation between Mom-Children-Dad...
Experience Self taught and experience with working with various Court Clerks.
Question my daughter is 17 1/2. She doesn't get along with her father and wants to stop going on every-other-weekend visitation. Can she make that choice?
Answer Sue,
DISCLAIMER:
I AM NOT A LAWYER. I am someone who has experience in family law matters, and am offering my OPINION only. If you want the exact law as it pertains to your specific case then seek a Professional Lawyer who deals in Family law in your County / area.
I would encourage her to see her father, but not force her.
Between the ages of 13 to 18 years of age the child begins to grow and make their own choices. The courts listen and allow them too. She decides when and when not to see Dad. Parents no longer have say in the matter.
If she doesn't get along with her father as a Parent I would find out why. I would talk to my daughter and find out what is it about Dad she does not get along with? Is it something simple or complex. Then I would talk with my daughter further and explain that the time she spends with Dad is only short time compared to her lifetime existance.
The bond she builds or relationship is important because of the learning process of gettting along with others.
If after this dicussion the daughter still decides she does not what to see Dad, then she has the right not to go visit. Her choice no one elses.
If Dad gets mad about it simple tell him she is now an adult in the eyes of the court and you nor him can any longer control the visitation because it is totally up to her. I would then tell Dad to ease off and work things out with Daughter if he truly wants to understand what is bothering her.
