For better or worse, an unemancipated child of an intact family has little choice but to reside with and accept those decisions made by his/her parents. In intact families, decisions pertaining to time sharing with the parents, a child’s general welfare, education, religious preferences, medical and health issues, camp, and even extracurricular activities are routinely determined by a child’s parents.
Contrast the foregoing with a child of divorcing parents. During a divorce and/or custody proceeding and even thereafter in post-judgment proceedings, a child may voice his/her desires regarding the foregoing issues through his/her attorney, usually appointed by the court.
