Legal Question in Family Law in California
What is the legal age for minor children being able to make their own decisions?
I divorced from my husband 10 years ago and we amicably used a paralegal to settle my child's issues. We decided to share custody every other weekend and never changed this agreement. But now that my daughter is 13, she is growing up and wants to be treated like a grown up. My ex is treating her like a child and making her sit in his friends' laps if she is over their house and she feels uncomfortable..What is the legal age where a child can make his/her decisions that won't affect our agreement
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: What is the legal age for minor children being able to make their own decisions?
A court will always listen to the desires of a child, but as they get older the child's wishes have greate weight. Obviously, when she was three her wishes have little or no weight. At 13 the court will give great weight to the child's wishes. You may call for a free consultation where we can discuss the best interest of the child and the best strategy. Good Luck, Pat McCrary
Re: What is the legal age for minor children being able to make their own decisions?
Assuming that these friends are male, I agree with Mr. Fernandez you should be concerned about this situation. Consider counseling for her. Forcing a 13 year girl to sit in a man's lap may well be more than a matter not allowing her to grow up. Act quickly to protect her safety.
Re: What is the legal age for minor children being able to make their own decisions?
One of the factors a Court looks at is what the child wants. However, the health, welfare, and safety of the child is the primary factor. I would really be concerned with your ex making our 13 year old daughter sit in the laps of men. This really concerns me, and I am sure the Court would want to hear about this behavior as well. Check out my website at www.divorce-legal.net
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