Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland

How can my son insure his right to visit his son?

My son is 19 and his girlfriend is 16. Recently, a son was born, but the young lady seems to be cold toward any further interaction or visitation of the father (my son). My son does not want to loose contact with his son, and has made provisions for support (food, clothing, and has set up an account with regular deposits). The girl's parents have been very hostile throughout their entire relationship and would like nothing better than to have him out of the picture all together, as long as they could take every dime he could ever earn. Her parents are at the point of not allowing my son in their home to visit the child or to have any type of contact with their daughter. How can my son insure continued visitation and/or 50/50 custody of the child?

Thank you for you consideration in this matter.

VR


Asked on 9/10/99, 12:20 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

Re: How can my son insure his right to visit his son?

Kudos to your son for taking responsibility for fathering the child and wanting to maintain a relationship with his son. Usually, the father tries to avoid or even deny responsibility, requiring the mother to file a paternity action in order to get child support. Here, your son could file a court action admitting paternity and seeking visitation or even custody (sole or shared) if he thinks he can convince the court that the child would be better off with him. Warning--this is most difficult with a newborn. Your son could ask for joint legal custody, allowing the child to live with his mother and coming to him for visitation. As part of this case, the court will establish a monthly child support payment based upon your son's earnings. But your son has a right to have a relationship with his son, notwithstanding the wishes of the mother and her family. Unless the two parties can work out an agreement, I strongly recommend you seek the services of an attorney with this matter.

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Answered on 9/13/99, 3:32 pm


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