“nothing in the law permits a child of M’s age to determine parental access”
This is such poppycock. A 17 year old person is more than able to know their mind about which parent they wish to be with. We have infantilized older teenagers to the a ridiculous degree. Years ago, many were married in their early teens and lived responsible, adult lives.
If I were that young lady, and my father took my mother to court to punish her for not forcing me to go visit with my father (assuming I did not want to go), I would cut off all relations with him for both reasons of not respecting my wishes and for punishing my mother in the legal system for defending and respecting me as a person.
I’m not positive, but I think I recall reading that the daughter wants nothing to do with Bill. Maybe she should file for emancipation?