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Child’s choice?

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  • 17-08-2018 6:52pm
    #1
    CherryRed99
    Registered Users Posts: 8 ✭


    Hi all, my 10 year old son has decided he no longer wishes to see his father (guardian). At what age will the courts take into account his right to decide? They have never had a healthy relationship so I knew this would happen at some point, just concerned it has happened so soon....


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    #2
    Big Bag of Chips
    Administrators Posts: 14,034 Admin ✭✭✭✭✭Big Bag of Chips


    I think it all depends on why he doesn't want to see him. If he's just deciding he doesn't want to anymore, then I think you need to do what you can to encourage him to go with him. If his relationship with his dad is somehow damaging for him eg dad is unreliable, or not around when he takes him, or if there are addiction issues etc, then I think you have a right to tell your son he doesn't have to see him.

    Is access court ordered? If so, you will need to go back to court if you want to change it. If it is not court ordered, then his dad would have to go to court (or least mediation/solicitor) in order to enforce any sort of access agreement.


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    #3
    One eyed Jack
    Registered Users Posts: 23,764 ✭✭✭✭One eyed Jack


    CherryRed99 wrote: »
    Hi all, my 10 year old son has decided he no longer wishes to see his father (guardian). At what age will the courts take into account his right to decide? They have never had a healthy relationship so I knew this would happen at some point, just concerned it has happened so soon....


    The courts will take a child's opinion into account when they're able to express an opinion, generally from the age of seven, but ultimately the courts will make decisions based upon what it determines is in the best interests of the child.


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