Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

14 Year Old Wants To Refuse Visitation

My ex wife and I have joint custody of my 14 year old son but he lives with me. She has standard visitation but my son refuses to go and spend every other weekend with her. She is forcing him to do so and this is having a very negative effect on him. Can he refuse to go? Can I be held in contempt if this happens or am I only required to make him available to go when scheduled? Thanks!


Asked on 8/23/06, 10:58 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Fran Brochstein Attorney & Mediator

Re: 14 Year Old Wants To Refuse Visitation

Yes, you can be held in contempt of court.

What can she do?

Things like --

She can ask to modify the current custody since it's obviously no longer working

or

She can ask for custody of the child.

I would need to know he does not want to visit?

If he's having problems then he needs to be at a therapist. Perhaps all 3 of you need to be in counseling.

If she is abusing him, then you need to ask for a modification.

What might a Judge consider? If you can't control a 14 year old, perhaps you should not have custody. Or, perhaps you are creating parental alienation.

In summary the court will consider, who runs your house -- a child or you?

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Answered on 8/24/06, 11:47 pm


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