Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland
Custody & Visitation of minor child
A father has a 12yr old daughter. The mom and he were never married. Dad & kid spdns time toghether based on what works for both of them. Mom wants more visitation b/c she wants to spend more time w/boyfriend(s). Mom now has filed for sole custody b/c she thinks this will force Dad to more visitation and on her terms. She thinks dragging Dad to court will ''shame'' him into a schedule she wants. Dad doesnt want kid to go thru any more fights between between Mom & Dad. Dad has answered complaint properly and granted her custody but wishes no specific visitation. He is not planning on going to the scheduling conference that court has set since he did not contest to complaint. Can judge force him to have visitation? Can judge have him in comtempt for failing to appear at conference?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Custody & Visitation of minor child
If the father fails to contest the custody petition, the mother will likely get full custody, and then he will have to seek visitation, as well as pay child support to the mother. If that's not the outcome he wants, he would be wise to attend, or to retain an attorney to represent his interests. He won't be held in contempt for failing to appear, not does he have to exercise visitation rights.
A judge can determine the extent of visitation that a noncustodial parent can have.
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