Can My Minor Son Decide To End Visitation

[panther10758]

Trying to "end" visitation will not be easy. prepare yourself and son for possible let odwn however as a fall back perhaps "supervised vists" Then if Dad continues his dangerous behaviors with son around the petition to end visits will be more successful.

[Beenthere2]

Gathering evidence can be tough because of stalking laws. Be sure you are not following your ex or you could get into trouble. One thing we did with my step-son "G" was to have him keep a journal with everything he witnessed from his visits. He dated all his entries as well. Not only was it a great tool in court for us, but it also allowed G to vent his frustrations after some tough visits. He spent some alone time in his room after he came home and was able to get things out of his system. You shouls also keep a journal of everything your son tells you. Then you can have 2 records of everything.

You may also want to take your son to a counselor who specializes in testifying in court on these types of cases. Check with your insurance to see if counseling is covered. You can call any abuse center or attorney office to get a referral for a good counselor. They know who is most effective in front of a judge.

You may also want to record your phone conversations with your son when he is on visitation. Be sure to talk it over with your son so he knows you are doing it. If both parties are aware that taping is occuring, then it is perfectly legal. At that point, anything your ex says about you in the background will be recorded. It may not do much good for you in court, but you can certainly use it as a tool with his attorney. It worked for us! Her attorney quit once she heard what she was saying about us in front of the child.

Finally, try not to wait because of finances. Call around to see if there is an attorney who will take your case for free or reduced rates. Believe me, there ARE some who will do it. You just have to ask. In the state of Illinois you can use the department of children and family services, regardless of income, for legal services. We paid only $25 to them to handle our child support matters, and it would have cost us thousands with our attorney.

I hope this helps. Keep your chin up, and best of luck to you.

[cyjeff]

The following is my opinion.....
You cant force a child to see his father. Just like you ( or the courts ) can't force a father to see his child.

This is incorrect.

If a child is not presented to the other parent at the appropriately agreed upon visitation transition, the parent in current custody of the child can be held in contempt of court.

Therefore, it is not only possible to force a child to see a parent but it happens every day.