Does a child at age 13 have to visit a parent with visitation rights in North Carolina?

Answer 1

Yes. The non custodial parent has every right to see his or her child. And there is a huge misconception that a child can decide which parent they prefer to live with or decide they don't want to visit the other parent when they reach a certain age. The fact is, it is NOT the child's decision to make, but the judge's.

So unless the non custodial parent has been found unfit, abusive, etc., the child has to concede to the visitation rights.

Furthermore, the custodial parent should encourage the child to want to visit with the other parent. Children need both parents, and no parent should ever be deprived of spending time with their child unless they are unfit, abusive, etc.

Answer 2

In North Carolina, a child at age 13 does not have the legal authority to refuse visitation with a parent who has court-ordered visitation rights. Visitation rights are typically determined by the court and are legally binding unless modified or revoked by the court.