Question:
How old does a child have to be before the set visitation rules and child custody schedules are no longer valid?
Once a child turns 18 and is a legal adult can’t she make her own decisions?
Answer:
I am unable to give you legal advice on divorce. I can give general divorce help for men, though, my knowledge is based on Indiana divorce and child custody laws where I am licensed to practice.
States typically resort to Parenting Time Guidelines as a guideline for parenting time if the parties cannot reach an agreement.
Where I practice, the guidelines call for ample discretion when the child reaches her teenage years as she will have activities, friends, and possibly jobs that would interfere with scheduled parenting time.
As a result, parenting time for older teenagers are much less structured. When the child can drive on her own, she has even more discretion as to parenting time.
Finally, when she goes to college, moves out of one parent’s home, or becomes emancipated, the parenting time as ordered by the court stops and the child is able to make her own decisions as to what is appropriate time to spend with each parent.
Child Support:
The parenting time guidelines do not recommend a parenting time plan once the child completes high school as that is often the time when they are old enough and independent enough to make their own decisions regarding time spent with each parent.
Remember, I am unable to provide you with anything more than divorce tips for men, so please consult with a divorce lawyer in your jurisdiction.
To arrange an initial consultation to discuss divorce rights for men with a Cordell & Cordell attorney, including Noblesville, Indiana Divorce Lawyer Sara Pitcher, contact Cordell & Cordell.
