Does a person under 18 HAVE to go to court?

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touchmahboddaayy

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My parents have been having a custody/child support battle this past year.
It is finally over, but I (15 years old) had to go into court twice.
My mother said I HAD to. That if I didn't, I could go to juvie.
My father told me I didn't have to, and they didn't want children in court.
I don't know who to believe, but I told my mom that unless I saw a paper telling me directly that I HAD to go, I would never show up to a court hearing involving their issues.
It's not my place and I don't want to be put in the middle of them. It's not right. Even if I am a witness I think it is traumatizing for me to have to relive everything that happened in front of either parent, causing them embarrassment and me to be ashamed of myself.
So I am wondering, does a child have to go to court during a custody battle, or one like the one my parents had.
Thanks!
 
Typically, a minor child is not required to appear in court in a custody dispute.

If the court wants to see you, the judge will usually chat with you in chambers.

- Stuart
 
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