A more modern rite of passage for kids is going to the courthouse during their parents’ divorce proceedings to talk to judges about their living situations, about who does the majority of the parenting and about whom they feel the closest feelings of warmth and love.

Aside from doing everything in their power to keep kids out of the courtroom, we can hear teenage voices and work toward giving them some of what they want without giving them everything they want.

Lawyers and judges should take a close look at not only at what young adults say they want but their reasons for asking for it. A teen’s voice have a place in the courtroom without letting it control all of the adults in the room. This is especially true of lawyers for kids, who may find themselves advocating for a child’s wishes over their interests.

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