Children as Witnesses

Parents often want to know if their children will be called as witnesses. Professionals advise against involving children in court proceedings because it is a very traumatic experience for them. This is equally true whether the dispute is over custody or something else.

Many people incorrectly assume that at a certain age children have an absolute right to pick the parent with whom they will live. Many courts have developed the custom of interviewing the children. However, the interview alone will not determine the court's decision.

You may want your lawyer to talk to your children. Although opinions vary, many lawyers will refuse, believing that such direct involvement in the case is very hard for children and not in their best interest.