Hi! My parents got divorced when I was just turning into a Real Teen (13), and I'm 17, turning 18 in December. I was just wondering how visitation would work? I mainly stay with my mom, and see my father every week Monday/Tuesday, and my plan was that as soon as I turned 18, to cut him off (for reasons that are personal and will not be saying, but they are valid). I was wondering if the process would take a long time and if during the process I would still have to see him?
(As I'm sure y'all can tell, this is my first time even looking at this forum, please be nice thank you)
At 18,you are an adult. Visitation no longer applies. You can have whatever relationship you like with your parents and the court has nothing to say about it.
Exactly. The day if your 18h birthday, you decide where you live and who you'll see. No one can make you do anything you don't want unless you allow them to. It will feel weird at first but you will get used to it. A counselor will help you process the transition period. It will take a lot of expressing your opinions, cause you do have them, and need to verbalize them. No need to be mean about it, just firm. But in order to be firm, you need to be sure, and founded.
My son is almost 18, and he will be in the same boat. Are you still in school? Do you have a teacher you look up to? Now more than ever, teachers are available via social media. In the meantime, I recommend you grab a notebook and write your plan, your thoughts, your feelings. Maybe write a letter to your dad, practicing what you want to tell him when you're 18. Cause that conversation WILL come up. Not now, but after you're 18.
Good luck little one. Keep posting also. I find good brains in this forum.