child on the stand?

[LdiJ]

That is absolutely an untrue statement.

There are scenarios where a 14 year old should be able to express his opinion. Properly handled, it is perfectly reasonable to ask a 14 year old to speak.

That's not to say that putting a 14 year old into an adversarial position with one or both parents is a good idea, but the blanket statement that asking a child to testify means the parent doesn't deserve custody is just plain wrong, as well.

Having a GAL to represent the child is ok. Sometimes having the judge speak to the child in chambers is ok.

Putting the child on the stand and making the child testify to negative things about one of his parents, right in FRONT of that parent, is unacceptable in ANY circumstance.

 

[mistoffolees]

Having a GAL to represent the child is ok. Sometimes having the judge speak to the child in chambers is ok.

Putting the child on the stand and making the child testify to negative things about one of his parents, right in FRONT of that parent, is unacceptable in ANY circumstance.

Sorry, but I guess I have a better imagination than you do.

First, I didn't say the child should say negative things about a parent.

Second, there are times when it's a matter of the child testifying or having to live with a life-threatening situation. In that case, I'd go with testifying. As a last resort, though.