Will a judge let a 16 year old in the court room when discussing his placement? My neighbor needs to know. I said the judge may talk to her separately but i don't know if she can go into the room while the parents discuss the child. The mother has agreed to let the child live with the father so it isn't an argument.
oooh i don't know. call the court house and find out their stance....at the age of 16 - the child is ALMOST an adult....the judge may want to talk with her separately and not hear the nastiness...however, it could be more than that....
talk with the courts.
My impression was that as a child gets older that it's imperative for them to give input and to know what's going on in regard to their life in custody suits. At 16 a child is old enough to be in the court room. It would probably depend on the judge and how contentious it is in the court room, as they tend to want to shield the child from spats between parents, but as long as it's civil I would guess that she would be allowed.
It will probably depend on the laws in your state. At 16 the child is old enough to make a statement on his/her placement. I know of kids as young as 14 who were given the opportunity to "plead their case" as to whom they wanted to live with and why. Your neighbor should consult an attorney.
Typically, it's up to the judge and his/her impression of the child's maturity. At 16, my assumption would be that the judge would ask the child whether or not she wants to be there and then respect the child's wishes either way. If both parents want her to be present, then she will be present. If they disagree, the judge will decide what is in the best interest of the child in all matters (or assign a law guardian).
