Legal Question in Family Law in Kentucky

In the paper work from the state of Ketucky it states the parties involved, "cannot HAVE the child refer to a future stepparent as mother or father". Does that mean force or allow? We tried to get the child to call me by my name for months and he wants to refer to me as momma....he has even stopped calling me things in front of his mother and then as soon as we leave talks up a storm. I don't mind either way but we want to make sure we are following the law. Thank You


Asked on 9/20/11, 3:06 pm

2 Answer from Attorneys

Andrea Welker Welker Law Office

That means telling the child to do it, or encouraging. I'm certain, however, if you don't rectify the situation your husband will likely be held in contempt. How horrible a mother would feel for her child to call another woman "mom." I can imagine if she finds out, she will move for contempt.

It's normal for children to experiment with what they call their family members, but it's up to the parents to set the boundaries. My child tried calling me by my name, and I quickly shut that down. Too bad if she "wants" to call me something else, she *gets* to call me "Mom" or some variation thereof, or she *gets* in trouble. The court will expect your husband to handle it.

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Answered on 9/21/11, 8:54 pm


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