Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts

Child Visitation Dispute

I have three children 17,15,12 years old. My visitation schedule allows my ex three weeks a summer.This summer,the 15 yr. old got gave whiskey to a friend during her birthday party and the friend became extremely ill.I,the custodial parent, grounded her for the remainder of the summer, and called my ex so that we would be on the same page. We agreed to stick together on the grounding, which included her getting a part time job and doing some volunteer work for the local hospital,working on her summer assignments,etc. She would not be allowed to travel or hang out with her friends. After speaking to him, I told her that her dad and I agreed on the plunishment.Now, he ''has changed his mind'' and has filed a contempt suit against me for not allowing her to fly to Atlanta to see him.He told the 15 year old on the phone that he would ''fix it''. Although she would like to go, she has accepted her punishment, has a job, volunteers at local gardens that supply food for shelters and is carrying on. She was the one here when the summons arrived and is very distraught about the problem. She feels it is her fault.I do not feel it is, and am sticking to the original decision . Does my husband have the right to change his mind and force this?


Asked on 7/24/04, 10:25 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Barbara C. Johnson Law Office of Barbara C. Johnson

Re: Child Visitation Dispute

Part of the punishment should not have included relinquishing parenting time with her Dad. Their relationship is very important. Studies show the vulnerability of growing children when they are denied one parent. Young teenage girls seek other males. Statistically there are more teenage pregnancies reported of girls denied access to their fathers. Statistics are also overwhelmingly depressing regarding boys who are denied access to their fathers.

Kids need both parents. Everything planned for the children should keep this in mind. Remember, you divorced him, the children did not.

Denying the children of one parent is a type of abuse also.

In the situation you describe, there might have been some kind of honest misunderstanding. Let her go see and enjoy time wih her dad. Are the other children going to see him?

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Answered on 7/24/04, 11:06 am


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