What age can a child refuse visitation in wa state?

Answer 1

No, an existing court order must be adhered to unless there are extentuating circumstances (unsuitable environment, etc.). However, forcing him to comply will only result in more problems. The best option would be for the parents and child to obtain qualified independent counseling in hopes of finding a solution to the matter.

Answer 2

i believe its 18. unless there is a third party (counselor or therapist etc) that has filed a report for the court that it would be extremely harmful to the child's emotional or physical well being to continue with the visitation. Courts DO NOT like to lessen visitation and judges can hold parents in contempt for not making the children go. Courts believe that both parents should share a relationship, and the difference in parenting styles, including strict rules, are not viewed as a reason to change the visitation schedule.

Answer 3

No. Court orders must be followed until they can be modified by returning to court and placing the issue before the judge. A custodial parent who doesn't honor the standing visitation order is in contempt of a court order and the court can order a modification of the custody order if the contempt continues. A child cannot refuse to visit the other parent until they reach eighteen years of age in virtually every state in the United States.

When a child refuses to visit the other parent the primary custodial parent must first take steps to determine the cause of the refusal. A professional may be of help at this time. The child may have legitimate reasons and once identified both parents must work together to address the problem. The non-custodial parent may need some advice on how to spend quality time with the child so the child feels both welcome and comfortable in the non-custodial parent's environment.