California courts must consider and give weight to a child's preference when the child is of sufficient age and ability to voice an intelligent opinion on custody or visitation. (Cal. Fam. ... Children can't choose where to live until they are 18 years old .
Can a 16 choose which parent to live with?
Most states do not specify an age at which a child can choose which parent he or she lives with after a divorce. Instead, the majority of states allows a judge to consider a child's reasonable preferences for living arrangements when making custody decisions.
Can a 16 year old choose where to live?
California courts must consider and give weight to a child's preference when the child is of sufficient age and ability to voice an intelligent opinion on custody or visitation. (Cal. Fam. ... Children can't choose where to live until they are 18 years old .
Can a child refuse to see a parent?
Children over the age of 16 have the legal authority to refuse visitation with a noncustodial parent unless stated otherwise by a court order.
Can I leave home at 16 without my parents consent?
In many areas, the age of majority is 16, which means you can move out on your own at that point. However, if the age of majority is over 16 where you live, you will likely need to be legally emancipated
Can a 14 year old decide not to see a parent?
Code § 3042 (a).) If a child is at least 14, the law allows the child to state a custodial preference , unless the judge believes doing so would be detrimental. ... Children can't choose where to live until they are 18 years old.
What do I do if my child doesn't want to see a parent?
Specifically, you could ask your child's other parent to call the child on the phone or come over to your house and try to speak with the child who is refusing visits. This helps the other parent understand the situation and places some obligation on their part to facilitate visits.
Should you force a child to visit a parent?
You shouldn't have to force a child to attend a visit . If you have concerns that your child is being abused or harmed by the other parent, then you should contact your attorney immediately.
Can my parents call the cops if I leave at 16?
Parents or legal guardians can report a runaway to the police at any time . Federal Law prohibits any law enforcement agency from establishing a waiting period before accepting a runaway-child report. ... Runaways who are fleeing an abusive situation and do not want to return home should tell police about the abuse.
How can I move out at 16?
If you are a teenager, the legal way to disown your family is to become “emancipated” from them . This means you'll be legally treated as an adult with the right to make your own decisions, and your parents will no longer be your legal guardians. In most states, you have to be over 16 to pursue emancipation.
How can I live alone at 16?
In many areas, the age of majority is 16 , which means you can move out on your own at that point. However, if the age of majority is over 16 where you live, you will likely need to be legally emancipated
At what age can a child refuse to see their father?
What age can a child decide not to visit a non-custodial parent in California? A child must be over the age of 16 to refuse to visit a noncustodial parent.
Can a 13 year old decide not to see a parent?
Although the law specifically permits children at least 14-years-old to express an opinion, there is no specific age when a judge will listen to a child's opinion . California statutes also permit a child younger than 14 years old to testify regarding a custodial preference, unless the court decides it's not in the ...
At what age can a child choose not to see a parent?
When your child reaches 18, he or she is an adult. Adults can decide who they spend time with. You will not be able to force your child to continue to see you.
Can a 15 year old refuses to see a parent?
You cannot physically force a fifteen-year-old boy to visit a parent if he doesn't want to. ... As such, family law courts typically hold the teenagers responsible for their behavior with respect to visitation, not the custodial parent.
Do I have the right to know who my child is around?
Each parent is entitled to know where the children are during visitations . They should also know if the children are left with other people such as babysitters or friends when the other parent is not there. ... Parents should tell each other their current addresses and home and work phone numbers.
