At what age can a child decide not to see a parent in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, a child does not have the legal right to solely decide not to see a parent until they reach the age of 18.

While Kentucky courts prioritize the best interests of the child in custody matters, a child does not have the final say or an independent "choice" regarding parental visitation until they become a legal adult.

Understanding Child's Wishes in Kentucky Custody

Even though a child cannot make the ultimate decision before age 18, the courts in Kentucky do consider a child's wishes and preferences when determining custody and visitation arrangements.

• Consideration vs. Choice: It's important to differentiate between a child's wishes being considered by the court and the child having the final choice. Before turning 18, the judge will evaluate the child's maturity, the reasons for their preferences, and how those preferences align with their overall well-being.
• Court's Discretion: The weight given to a child's wishes often depends on their age and maturity level, but the court always retains the discretion to make the final decision based on what it deems to be in the child's best interest.
• Legal Adulthood: Once a child turns 18, they are considered an adult in the eyes of the law and can then make their own decisions about who they see or do not see, independent of any court-ordered custody or visitation schedules.

To summarize the age-related aspects:

This means that while a child's feelings are taken into account, any formal change to a custody or visitation order before the child turns 18 would require a court modification, not simply the child's desire to stop seeing a parent.