Legal Question in Family Law in California

what age can a child tell a parent they dont want to go with them

At what age can a child say to a parent i don't want to go with you.Let me explain. My friends daughter came to me the other day and told me that her dad is make her and her sister treat his girlfriend like their mom. & they really don't like it since she was the reason why the dad left. the daughter told me that her dad also makes the 2 girls go up his girlfriend & say hello to her if they are out in public with their mom. If they don't they get into trouble. When they do spend time with their dad she said he is either sleeping or working or sends them to the neighbors to play. My friends daughter said she would rather be home with her own things. Her dad has not gotten them any toys or anything for his house. She said he told them that they could bring there toys from home or their mom could buy them toys to bring to his house. I don't think that is right either. I told the daughters friend to try and talk to her dad and let him know how they feel. she said she had. But he had told her she has no choice and he is now requesting more time which really has these two girls up set.She said they are already bored when they go every other weekend. but now he wants half of their summer. Any advice u can give me so i can pass it along.


Asked on 5/18/07, 12:56 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Johm Smith tom's

Re: what age can a child tell a parent they dont want to go with them

Sounds like he is simply trying to avoid paying child support by keeping them captive at his home, where he also doesn't spend any money on them. All this should be brought to the attention of the court, and the mother could use this to try to keep the girls with her more of the time. The father sounds like he really isn't interested in spending time with them. If the girls are old enough, the court will also listen to them.

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Answered on 5/18/07, 1:11 am


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