Kids Want Greater Say during Child Custody Disputes

In Bethel, it has been reported that three siblings want to change the local law so children who are over the age of 12 have a stronger voice in child custody disputes between parents.

The children, Trianna, Marika and Cyril Gutzman, have come up with a petition known as "Trianna's Law" and have plans to present it to state legislators.

13-year-old Trianna is a freshman at Kent School, Marika is 12 and Cyril is a 10 year old fifth grader.  All of the children feel that kids can represent their own needs and best interests better than an attorney who may speak on their behalf.  The parents of the Gutzman children currently share joint custody.

Last Spring, Trianna came up with the idea of a petition and recently started to collect signatures.

She said, "I'm very happy people are so positive to change the law. I wouldn't have thought to do this if I hadn't seen the movie `Gandhi,'".  She also said, "He gave me the inspiration to make the change. He said, `Be the change you want to be in the world.'"

The petition revolves around the idea that children over the age of 12 would be able to meet with the judge presiding over their family law cases to communicate their wishes when custody is disputed.  Current law allows an attorney or an appointed guardian is usually asked to represent and protect the interests of minors.

Trianna told a local news source, "I think there are plenty of kids in Connecticut who have the same problem and wish they had a say."

Contact our law firm to get help from a Riverside family lawyer during your custody dispute!