Family Law Lawyer in Vaughan, GTA

Can Your Teen Legally Refuse to Live With You?

This is general information and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Contact a family law lawyer to understand your rights and obligations.

When family relationships break down, one of the most emotionally charged questions parents face is whether a teenager can legally refuse to live with them. In Ontario, the answer is nuanced. There is no single age at which a child can automatically decide where they live, but the law does place increasing weight on a teen’s wishes as they get older and more mature.

No Fixed Age for Choice in Ontario

Ontario family law does not set a specific age at which a child can decide which parent to live with. Instead, courts apply the “best interests of the child” test under the Children’s Law Reform Act. This test looks at many factors, including the child’s needs, stability, relationships with parents, and importantly, the child’s views and preferences. The older and more mature the teen, the more influence their wishes tend to have.

How a Teen’s Wishes Are Considered

A teenager’s preference is not automatically decisive, but it can carry significant weight. Courts often distinguish between younger children and older teens. For a 15-, 16-, or 17-year-old, a clearly expressed and well-reasoned preference may strongly influence the outcome, especially if there are no safety concerns. Courts also consider whether the teen’s choice appears independent or is influenced by pressure, conflict, or promises from a parent.

Withdrawal From Parental Control

In Ontario, teens aged 16 and 17 may withdraw from parental control. This means they can choose not to live with a parent, and in many cases, police will not force them to return home unless there are protection or safety issues. However, withdrawal from parental control does not automatically end a parent’s legal obligations. Child support, for example, may still be payable depending on the circumstances.

Can a Parent Force a Teen to Come Home?

Practically speaking, enforcing parenting arrangements with older teens can be very difficult. Even if a court order exists, courts are often reluctant to impose strict enforcement measures on a resistant older teenager. Judges recognize that forcing a nearly adult child to live somewhere against their will can be harmful and unrealistic. Instead, courts may focus on encouraging healthier communication or revisiting parenting arrangements.

Every Situation Is Fact-Specific

It is important to understand that each case is unique. A teen’s ability to refuse to live with a parent depends on age, maturity, safety concerns, schooling, family dynamics, and the reasons behind the refusal. What applies in one family may not apply in another, even if the teens are the same age.

Seeking Legal Support

If your teen is refusing to live with you or wants to change living arrangements, early legal advice is critical. A family law lawyer can help you understand your rights, your child’s rights, and the realistic options available under Ontario law. Majoka Law regularly assists parents navigating complex parenting disputes and can provide clear, practical guidance during an emotionally challenging time.