Legal Question in Family Law in California
Non-custodial parent visitation
Scenario: Wife commits adultery. Divorce. Wife gets custody of child. Husband pays child support. Wife forbids that husband sees child. Can courts 'force' the wife to allow visitation? Why would she be allowed to do this? Why would the courts grant her full custody when she's the perpetrator of adultery?
4 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Non-custodial parent visitation
You can most certainly have visitation with the child, unless you are a danger to the child. The adultery does not have great bearing on a child custody case, however, in limited circumstances it may have a bearing. Of more importance is that she is withholding visitation. The courts prefer to give custody to the parent who is most likely to see that the other parent has frequent and meaningful contact with the child. You can try this on your own, but would have a much better chance for success with an attorney on your side. Good Luck, Pat McCrary
Re: Non-custodial parent visitation
The courts generally order visitation if the parties cannot agree to a custody/visitation arrangement on their own. Each parent is generally allowed at least some custody of the child unless doing so would harm the child.
Regarding the adultery, no-fault divorce in California the last three decades means it is immaterial in the divorce proceedings, unless the actions could be shown to severely injure the child.
Re: Non-custodial parent visitation
You are entitled to visitation call me directly at (619) 222-3504.
Re: Non-custodial parent visitation
Dear Inquirer:
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The site contains quite a bit of general information about California Family Law, Tenants' Rights, and Juvenile Dependencies, and EDD hearings and appeals, as well as information about me (education, experience, et cetera) and my office (location, hours, fees, policies).
NOW, IN RESPONSE TO YOUR INQUIRY --
Unless mom's behavior with her lover in the chil(ren)'s presence is not in the best interest of the child(ren), her adultry is irrelevant. (California is a no-fault state.)
Unless dad is an unfit parent, he is entitled to some legal and physical custody (i.e., participation in decision-making and time with the child(ren).) If your judgment of dissolution does not so provide, hire an experienced family law attorney to get it modified.
Thanks for sharing your interesting inquiry with
us on LawGuru, and good luck with your case.