CA AB2098

Lowers the age at which children can address the court regarding custody or visitation from 14 years old to 10 years old, effective July 1, 2017, provided the child voluntarily chooses to do so.

Requires courts to determine whether a child is voluntarily addressing the court of their own volition before allowing them to speak.

Mandates the Judicial Council develop an age-appropriate form by July 1, 2017, explaining the court process, voluntary participation, reasons to address or not address the court, and alternative methods for providing input.

Requires courts to provide alternative means of obtaining a child's input and preferences if the child cannot or does not wish to address the court directly.

Maintains that children under 10 years old may still address the court if the court determines it is in their best interests, and does not require any child to express their preferences to the court.