---
title: "Does My Child Have a Right to Be Heard in Quebec? ✦ Goldwater Droit"
canonical_url: "https://goldwaterdroit.com/en/faqs/does-my-child-have-a-right-to-be-heard-quebec"
last_updated: "2026-09-15T21:43:59.681Z"
locale: en
meta:
  description: "In Quebec, a child has the right to be heard under art. 34 C.c.Q. if age and understanding allow, but the court decides on best interests under art. 33."
  "og:description": "In Quebec, a child has the right to be heard under art. 34 C.c.Q. if age and understanding allow, but the court decides on best interests under art. 33."
  "og:title": "Does My Child Have a Right to Be Heard in Quebec?"
---

# Does my child have a right to be heard in a custody case in Quebec?

Yes. Under article 34 of the Civil Code of Québec, a child has the right to be heard by the court whenever their age and level of understanding allow it, on any matter affecting them. Being heard, however, is not the same as deciding: the court listens to the child's views and weighs them as one element of the child's overall best interests under article 33 C.c.Q., which is the governing standard. A child's wishes therefore carry more influence as the child matures, but no age lets a child simply choose. The court may hear the child directly, through a judge's meeting, or through the child's own lawyer, depending on the circumstances.

Civil Code of Québec, art. 34 (right to be heard) Civil Code of Québec, art. 33 (best interests)