Anita wrote:

> My question is, If they were cho0sing who to be indentured to why woulld 
> the courts have to be involved?

At least in some counties in VA ca. 1740s,  the courts maintained interest 
in over-seeing children indentured as wards, apprentices and servants.  It 
was not uncommon in some cases, for the "arrangement" to be renewed on an 
annual basis.  (From Augusta Co. Co Order Bk. XVI pg. 206, 230)

During the Augusta Co. court session on August 19, 1777- Nat, an Indian 
bound boy in the custody of Mary Greenlee, who detains him as a slave, 
complains of being held unlawfully. During the following court session on 
September 17,  Mary Greenlee is called to court and  the case is settled: 
"Mary Greenlee to be summoned on the complaint of Nat, an Indian or Mustee 
boy.--Court finds that Mary uses the boy inhumanly and orders him to be 
hired out by the Sheriff."

Hope this is helpful,

Gus Carr