Does anyone know what the law is concerning bringing minor children to a court proceeding?

I am asking for some changes to our parenting agreement, and I have a court date coming soon. My ex-wife has just told me that she intends to bring the children with her, because she feels it is important for the judge to hear what they have to say. I have expressed to her that I do not think it is a good idea to bring a 12 an 15 year old to court without the judge knowing about it first. I also do not ever recall seeing a minor child in the courtroom. I have seen people sitting with a child in the hallway outside the courtroom, but never in the courtroom.

Does anyone know what the law in Illinois is requarding this?

Does anyone know what the law is concerning bringing minor children to a court proceeding?

I am asking for some changes to our parenting agreement, and I have a court date coming soon. My ex-wife has just told me that she intends to bring the children with her, because she feels it is important for the judge to hear what they have to say. I have expressed to her that I do not think it is a good idea to bring a 12 an 15 year old to court without the judge knowing about it first. I also do not ever recall seeing a minor child in the courtroom. I have seen people sitting with a child in the hallway outside the courtroom, but never in the courtroom.

Does anyone know what the law in Illinois is requarding this?

I don't know of a specific law that disallows children in a courtroom, but bringing them doesn't mean the judge will ask what they think. The judge may even order them removed. I think bringing them will seriously make the judge angry, actually. Does she have a lawyer who recommended this? I think you may be able to request that the children be removed.

I have seen children IN the courtroom, but never standing up before the judge in a hearing. I've seen LOTS of children in the hall. It made me mad every time.

She does not have a lawyer. I am not using one either. The really dumb part is that she has already agreed to the changes, but she just feels that the kids never got a chance to express their opinion, and she feels it is important that they get a chance to speak to the judge. And the judge has not asked to speak with them.

One of the ladies in my office said to let her bring them, then tell the judge that I expressed to her that I didn't think this was a good idea. Then stand back and watch the fireworks.

Not to mention the fact that it is a school day and maybe they should be there.

She does not have a lawyer. I am not using one either. The really dumb part is that she has already agreed to the changes, but she just feels that the kids never got a chance to express their opinion, and she feels it is important that they get a chance to speak to the judge. And the judge has not asked to speak with them.

One of the ladies in my office said to let her bring them, then tell the judge that I expressed to her that I didn't think this was a good idea. Then stand back and watch the fireworks.

Not to mention the fact that it is a school day and maybe they should be there.

I agree with the lady in your office. And pray for a photographic memory for that short moment in time, so you can tell the story with zest and detail to all your friends later. It will be enjoyable.

I tend to agree, and I don't want to sound too sappy, but these kids have seen a lot, and I don't think they need to see this too. But on the other hand, one of the biggest problems I have with my ex is that she treats the kids like they are adults. Maybe they need to see their mother be put in her place for not following the rules.