Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts

child visitation

can a mother prevent a father from seeing his child even though they were never married


Asked on 9/22/08, 4:06 pm

4 Answers from Attorneys

Re: child visitation

Assuming the father is listed on the birth certificate, so there is no paternity issue, then:

If the father is not a danger to the child and unless there is a reason the court should prevent it in the best interest of the child, then a mother should not be able to prevent visitation by the father.

However, if the father has a history of drug abuse, physical abuse or there is a medical reason for the father not to see the child, then the court may prevent visitation or require supervised visitation.

I hope this was helpful. It is however not an exhaustive review of the issues that can surround such matters and if you have more questions, you should contact an attorney in your area.

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Answered on 9/22/08, 4:32 pm
Gregory Lee Gregory P. Lee, Attorney at Law

Re: child visitation

If the father is fit, he is entitled to seek court-ordered visitation. Good mothers allow fit parents time with the child even without court orders, because this benefits the child. A parent who interferes with such visitation without cause is herself failing to put the child's best interest first.

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Answered on 9/22/08, 4:52 pm
henry lebensbaum Law Offices of Henry Lebensbaum (978-749-3606)

: child visitation

If she does, the question is does a court order exist. If it does, then this is an action for contempt, and if does not, get the court involved.

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Answered on 9/22/08, 5:46 pm
Joseph Murray Joseph M. Murray, Esq.

Re: child visitation

If your paternity has been established you should retain an attorney to set support and visitation rights and or to establish paternity if it has not been established. Good Luck!

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Answered on 9/23/08, 11:12 am


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