Gal says teen gets to choose a parenting time schedule

[PayrollHRGuy]

so let a teen do whatever they want?

We don't know why the GAL is suggesting to allow the teen to choose their time with each parent. I'd be very surprised though that a decent lawyer couldn't get it modified to at least some amount of time with each parent.

 

[Zigner]

so let a teen do whatever they want?

Your 17 year old (give or take a few months) is a much different "teen" than a 13 or 14 year old. She is much closer to being an adult. You have to learn to let her be her.

 

[stealth2]

so let a teen do whatever they want?

I'm also thinking that a parent who has been parenting doesn't have a child who thinks they can "do whatever they want"... Perhaps OP can fill in some blanks?

 

[LdiJ]

so let a teen do whatever they want?

A 17 year old is less than a year away from being a legal adult and having total control (not being subject to court orders). Therefore, on her next birthday she is going to be free to see or not see you. A judge is unlikely to buck a 17 year old's wishes that close to legal adulthood.

But no, of course parents should not let their teens do whatever they want. However, it is logical to give a 17 year old some greater say. Would you enjoy living between two different homes? Most teens honestly get fed up with it by 16 or 17. Its not that they don't love both of their parents. Its that they don't like living between two different homes, particularly when its close to 50/50.