Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts
vistation
I have a 13 yo daughter, who has been upset by her father many times. He moved out of state and she does not want to visit him there. He still has family in Mass and visits regularly. She also does not want to spend long periods with him over vacation. He has never asked before and suddenly wants it now that I am going after increased support. Does my daughter have rights????
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: vistation
Of course, your daugther has a voice that the court will listen to; however, there has to be a legitimate reason in order to make change. It cannot be simply because she does not feel like going.
You may want to voice to the court that (if it is accurate) she has not seen him in a very long time because he does not keep his visitation, etc.
The court goes by the best interest of the child and the bonding of the parent.
Is it possible, since he has family here, that he come visit her here?
In any event, you may want to consider consulting with a family law attorney regarding this.
Sincerely, Maria Murber
Vistation
Your daughter has a right to her opinions. She is considered a minor child. If there are legitimate reasons about why she is refusing to make some or all of the visits, this may be a factor. A mere statement of not wanting to is simply not enough.
I understand that there may be more to this than you have said. Please contact me, and we can review this matter.