Changes to the visiting arrangements for children

Questioner

Good afternoon, My daughter, who is almost 15 years old, no longer wants to live with her father. She has been living with her father and me every other week since she was 8. For about 2 years now, she has been making up excuses to be allowed to live with me longer. She discussed this with his father. Her father had promised her to start a trial period after the summer holidays (August 2018). The trial period means that she would live with me more days. But this did not happen for unclear reasons. The last few months it got worse. She told -crying- that every time she has to go to him, it feels like a heavy block on her shoulder. She told that she had gathered the courage all the time and had talked to herself that she does this because of her stepsisters and her father. The relationship with her stepsisters has not been good for a long time and the only reason for her is her father. But he is also on the rocks. Not because she does not love her father but because she has the feeling that she is not heard by him. The relationship between her father and me is not good. We have called in a mediator but he continues to deny my daughter's problem. What should I do? I would like to help my daughter because she is very unhappy now. For years she had to do something against her will. And I see that the cup is now full. Thank you in advance for your response. Kind regards,

Lawyer

The only thing that can be done then is to file a petition with the court in which a change is requested to the previously agreed visitation arrangement. Your daughter will be heard by the judge in that case. It happens more often that children of this age want a different arrangement. I often see that the old visitation arrangement is then adjusted to an arrangement that is more in line with the wishes of the child. If desired, you can contact me.