Legally can I make my teenage daughter come with me on my visiting days?
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Legally can I make my teenage daughter come with me on my visiting days?
I’m recently divorced and I have 3 kids. When its my weekend to have my kids my 14 year-old daughter makes other plans. By law can I make her come with me on those days?
Asked on June 16, 2011 under Family Law, Louisiana
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
Teenagers, unlike younger children, present a whole a more difficult situation. In these cases, courts generally let minors age 12 or older decide whether or not they want to visit their parent. The fact is that you cannot physically force a 14-year-old girl to visit if she doesn’t want to. The reality is that threatening your teen with punishment or restricting their freedom is not likely to get what you want, at least in the long run. The reality is that most teenagers would rather be with their friends than with either of their parents.
Note: If the custodial parent is encouraging this behavior, that [arent can be charged with contempt of court for attempting to interfere with ordered visitation.
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