Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

how old does a child have to be in Texas before they have a say so on weather or not they wish to visit the non custodial parent


Asked on 8/14/14, 3:35 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Keith Engelke Law Office of S. Keith Engelke

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.

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Answered on 8/14/14, 4:06 pm
Fran Brochstein Attorney & Mediator

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.

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Answered on 8/15/14, 8:05 am


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