Legal Question in Family Law in Arkansas

Re: Legal age child does not have to visit other parent

You need to provide more information. Are you the custodial parent or the non-custodial parent? Does the other parent still live in Arkansaw? That would have an impact on whether the case should be heard in Arkansaw or Texas. Laws vary among the states.

Generally, in Texas, there is no age that a child does not have to see a parent. Practically, however, most courts realize that the possession guidelines become impractical as the child grows into the teens. It is up to the court to decide how strict the possession order will be enforced or whether the order should be modified. A court definately has the ability to enforce visitation as long as the child is still under 18 and can hold a non-cooperating parent in contempt (i.e. put in jail).

Be aware, however, that courts are generally harsh on parents that the court feels are either trying to deny visitation, encouraging a child not to want to have visitation, or even not encouraging the child to want to see the other parent. Courts almost always look favorably on parents that encourage a relationshilp between the child and the other parent.

Your best bet is to call an experienced family law attorney and explain ALL of the facts so that you can get a good evaluation of your circumstances (irregardless of which parent you are).