Legal Question in Family Law in New Jersey

At what age can my daughter decide not to see her father any longer?

My present husband is trying to adopt my 11 year old daughter. Her natural father has never paid child support. He has been in and out of prison. He is a drug addict. He is contesting the adoption. I have always had legal custudy of her. She is scared that the court will grant her father supervised visitations. She refuses to see him or his parents. At what age can she make this dicision? Also, I did not have a lawyer. Should I get one now? What could something like this cost. What are the chances that he will get anything.I also need to now if i were to die who does my daughter go to? Please help a desperate mom. Thanks


Asked on 9/23/05, 2:04 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Davies The Davies Law Firm, P.A.

Re: At what age can my daughter decide not to see her father any longer?

You should not be desperate. Judges are generally careful, intelligent people who try to do the right thing. However, you should really consider hiring (and paying) an attorney to protect you and your daughter. She can voice her opinion at any age; however, as she gets older and especially when she turns 16 yrs old, her opinion should have greater weight with the judge. At 18yrs old, she is adult and can simply refuse.

You need a good attorney.

Call if I can assist. 973 890 0400

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Answered on 9/23/05, 2:52 pm


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