Custody & Parenting Time

• Once a child reaches the age of 12 or 13 she has the ability to express her opinion on issues pertaining to custody and parenting time (formerly known as visitation).
  
  

Effects

• Although a younger teen is entitled to express her position on certain issues in a family law matter (primarily custody and parenting time), a recommendation by the teen does not have to be followed by the court.
  
  

Older Teen

• A teen of 16 and upward is able to express her position on other issues such as education and outside activities.
  
  

Religion

• If the parents have different religious traditions, an older teen also is able make decisions in regard to these types of practices.
  
  

Guardian Ad Litem

• In cases involving a major issue surrounding the teen the court appoints a guardian ad litem. The guardian at litem is an attorney who represents the teen's interests.