Seemingly Unfixable Custody Situation

**thisisme** · 08-15-2008, 09:15 AM

My question involves a child custody case from the State of: Tennessee

My brother and his ex got divorced about 5 years ago. They have a 10 year old daughter together. He has not been the best at paying child support, and she has been denying him visitation. Not exactly denying him, but making the daughter feel like she shouldn't go over there, making fun plans on his weekends so she won't want to go. The only time she gets to see him is when myself or my mother get her and he comes to visit.

Now he has finally gotten his child support situation taken care of, and he wants his visitation as laid out in the papers. He does not have the money to get a lawyer, and even if he did, the lawyers in the county where she lives are corrupt and would not help him. They have known her for years and are biased on her side.

He seems to be really trying to fix the situation, but seems to be running into brick walls. I told him to keep a calendar of all the times that you have asked for your visitation and even record the calls, and what the outcome was, and save his money. Then when he can hire an attorney, go out of the county and find one. I know it will cost him a little more, but maybe that will be to his advantage.

Any other suggestions?

**mmmagique** · 08-15-2008, 09:58 AM

File contempt of court charges in the county the cs order was made. Cs does not have anything to do with visitation. You do not buy the right to see your children, nor do you lose the right to see your children if you do not pay child support. (not that he should quit paying, mind you.)

**thisisme** · 08-15-2008, 10:45 AM

I agree with this, but can he do it without a lawyer?

**LawResearcherMissy** · 08-15-2008, 11:05 AM

Yup. Have him contact the Clerk of Courts for the forms. There may or may not be a small filing fee.

**thisisme** · 08-15-2008, 11:12 AM

Thank you so much! I know this will give him hope!

**mmmagique** · 08-15-2008, 04:18 PM

Yes, and put a bug in his ear...parents who do not fight for the rights to see their children, are looked at as if they do not care...

Tell him that even if he can't afford money, he can afford time, and effort.

Good luck!