Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

A judge must hear what the child wants if the child is age 12. If the child is under 12, an attorney can file a motion for the judge to hear the child.

The criteria is always the best interest of the child. So what the judge decides may not be what the child wants.

The answer is 18. Until then the child is considered a minor with no rights. The custodial parent can be held in contempt of court for not making sure the child visits. Contempt can mean financial fine or even jail time. And, the custodial parent can lose custody of the child in some severe cases. If you have any other questions, talk to a family law attorney in your county.