Can a 14 year old choose to not see a parent in Georgia?

Under Georgia law, 14-year-olds are not considered adults and do not have the legal right to make decisions about their custody or visitation arrangements. However, judges in Georgia family courts are required to take the child’s wishes and opinions into consideration when making custody and visitation decisions.

The court may consider the child’s wishes, but ultimately, the court will base its decision on the best interests of the child. The court may take into account factors such as the child’s relationship with both parents, the stability of each parent’s home, and any evidence of abuse or neglect.

Can a 14-year-old refuse to see a parent in Georgia?

While a 14-year-old’s wishes are taken into account, the child does not have the legal right to refuse to see a parent in Georgia. If the court determines that it is in the best interests of the child to have contact with both parents, the child will be required to comply with the court’s visitation order.

However, if a 14-year-old refuses to comply with a court-ordered visitation schedule, the court may hold the child in contempt and impose penalties such as fines or even jail time. It is important to note that the parent who has custody of the child can also face legal consequences if they do not comply with the visitation schedule.

What should a 14-year-old do if they do not want to see a parent?

If a 14-year-old does not want to see a parent, it is important to approach the situation carefully and thoughtfully. The first step should be to talk to the parent in question and express their concerns. In some cases, it may be possible to work out a compromise that both the child and the parent can agree on.

If talking to the parent does not resolve the issue, the child may wish to speak with a trusted adult, such as a counselor or family member. They may be able to provide the child with additional support and guidance in navigating this difficult situation.

In some cases, it may be necessary to involve a lawyer to help the child and their custodial parent modify the visitation agreement or seek a court modification. It is important to remember that the child’s wishes are not the only factor considered by the court when making custody and visitation decisions. The child’s safety and well-being are the top priority, and the court will make decisions that are in the child’s best interests.

FAQS

Q: Can a 14-year-old choose to live with one parent over the other in Georgia? 

A: Georgia law allows for children over the age of 14 to express a preference for which parent they wish to live with. However, the court will still make a custody decision based on the best interests of the child.

Q: Can a 14-year-old request a change in the visitation schedule in Georgia? 

A: Yes, a 14-year-old may request a change in the visitation schedule, but the court will make the final decision based on the best interests of the child.

Q: What happens if a parent violates a visitation order in Georgia? 

A: If a parent violates a visitation order in Georgia, they may be held in contempt of court and face penalties such as fines or jail time.

Conclusion

Deciding whether or not to see a parent after a divorce can be an emotional and difficult decision for children of all ages, including 14-year-olds. While Georgia law does not give minors the legal right to make decisions about their custody and visitation arrangements, their wishes are taken into account by the court. However, the court will always make decisions that are in the best interests of the child, which may not always align with the child’s preferences.

If a 14-year-old does not want to see a parent, it is important to approach the situation thoughtfully and seek guidance from a trusted adult. With the help of an Atlanta Divorce Lawyer, it may be possible to modify the visitation agreement or seek a court modification. Ultimately, the well-being and safety of the child should always be the top priority when making decisions about custody and visitation.