Getting more visitation time w/ daughter?

Question

My ex and I split around the time my daughter was 7 months. We went through the whole court process and agreed to a visitation where I get her every other weekend and wednesday evenings and split the holidays, etc. I understand the baby needs to be with her mother more often especially this early in her life. My ex has recently married another man and I don't want my daughter to be confused thinking he's her father. My question is when the baby gets older like 4 or 5 is it reasonable to ask for more visitation time? Would the courts agree to something like this? How should I approach this if the mother is unwilling to give me more visitation. I just don't want to spend another $1000 on the cost of a lawyer unless I'm sure.

Answer 1

You can request joint custody...

It is good that you love your daughter so much but always do what is in HER best interest - not your own.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Dude it's always a c**p shoot in the court room. I would talk to mom first. If you live in the same town ask for 50/50.

If she thinks it's about the money, then tell her you'll continue to pay for 6mos. to try the 50/50 split. I would consult an atty. before you talk to her so you know what your rights are in your state as they are different from state to state, and most courts have their own local rules also.

Answer 3

You can get more visitation but it will require money.

Answer 4

My husband and I struggle with this all the time. We also would like to go back to court for a possible custody change but it’s VERY scary to spend thousands of dollars you don’t really have on a lawyer to help your case when you have no idea if a judge would agree with you or not.

In your case, I think you should request 50/50 when the child is a bit older. Explain your reasons. State exactly what you said in how a baby needs their mother but now that she’s older you’d like to spend more quality time with her. And requesting more visitation wouldn’t be rude of you, my goodness, it’s YOUR child too! A child deserves to have both parents in their life as often as possible, deserves to be able to visit with both parents as often as possible and deserves to have you both as involved as you can be…..

I commend you for wanting this! You’re a good man and a great father!

** ADD **

50/50 means that the mother is the primary residential parent but that as far as “rights” goes, it’s split 50/50. No parent has more of an upper hand than the other and you actually need (legally) both parents to approve any changes with schooling, doctors, etc. My husband and his ex have “shared parental responsibility” which again, means basically the same as above. Also, 50/50 means split visitation the best way possible. Without interfering with the child’s everyday life.

Answer 5

That can happen, but just be aware your daughter will know you are her father a slong as you spend the time you have been given with her and show her the love and support she needs,

Answer 6

Right now she has to abide by the courts order. You have the right to amend the decree. Do you have loop holes in the visitation? If so fix them at that time also. EXAMPLE: (You may have visits on holidays.)  This is a loop hole. If the holiday falls on your normal visit ask for a replacement day for the lost normal visit. This will give you an extra day in that week = more time. First take out your divorce decree and look it over very carefully. Look for loop holes. Rewrite them to your benefit. Who will pick them up and who will drop them off. You can ask for shared driving time and gas. Don't let it be all you doing the pick ups and drop offs. There are lots of things I can tell you to over all help. Back to your question Is your baby bottle fed? If yes you could ask for more time now. Don't wait until later you need to show the courts that you want every minute you can to be with your child. Remember that the courts looks at what's best for the child first. So you have to make a good case.TIP: legal aid. or divorce modification kits. This may help in the finances your having. It is still best to have a lawyer. TIP: See if you can get one pro bo no. You don't need you ex wife's permission to amend your divorce decree. If the courts gives you more time she just has to live with it. 50/50 This is in the custody part of you divorce. Joint custody is 50/50 on disicions and could mean split living arrangement for the child as well. Sole custody is only the parent that has sole custody makes dicisions for the child. The other is not allowed to make dicisions on medical and more; also the child dorsn't live with you. Look that part over also.