Visitation Rights For Fathers

As a father, you want to know that you will be able to see your children after a divorce or messy breakup. Fathers have more rights now than they did forty years ago, which works in your favor. As long as you want to see your children and you have time built into your schedule where you can be an actively involved parent, you can secure your visitation rights. Here's what lawyers like Prime Lawyers have to say about this particular aspect of family law.

Every Father Has a Right to See His Children 

It doesn't matter what the mother of your children says or how the two of you just don't get along. A father, by law, has the right to see his children and spend time with them. Children are entitled to the attention of both of their parents, which is why no one can deny you your parental and paternal rights.  

There are a few very rare exceptions to this rule. However, the exceptions are as rare and as unusual as denying a father the right to see his children. You would have to commit some absolutely horrible atrocity on one or more of your children before your visitation rights would be restricted or stripped entirely, and that is not something that regularly happens. A false report filed by your ex may also temporarily remove your visitation rights while an investigation is conducted, but you may still see your children in other ways (e.g., video call, supervised visits with social workers watching you interact with the kids, etc.). Don't worry, thought; if your ex does file a false child abuse report, it can be resolved quickly.

Offering Dates and Times for Visitation 

If you are serious about your visitation rights, the judge or tribunal will expect that you supply your lawyer and the court with dates and times when you can visit with your children. These dates and times are not negotiable, so be sure to commit to them before you submit them to the court. Anytime a change in visitation dates and times is required you and/or your lawyer will need to resubmit this paperwork to family court to avoid legal headaches with your ex.

Being Consistent With Your Visitation 

Visitation isn't just about working things out regarding the children with your ex. It's about being present and available for your children on a predictable schedule. It also looks good to the courts when you can show that you were consistently showing up for visitation and that you have not made any changes or detours from the schedule you requested.  

Maintaining your rights to see your children requires that you maintain a consistent pattern of showing up, being present, and visiting with your children when you say you will. This can only help your case and your argument, should you decide to ask for full custody at a later date. It makes a very positive impact on your kids too.