Legal Question in Family Law in Oklahoma
Father has reappeared after 5 years and wants visitation
My ex and I got divorced in Texas. He has only paid approxiamelty $500 of his child support since March 1997. He is suppose to pay $350 a month. He states that he is now paying his child support, but I have yet to see any of it. He is also requesting to start having his visitation rights. He lives in Michigan. Our child has never seen her father except in pictures. She was 9 months old when we got divorced. He has never sent any support other than what I have already stated. He has never sent a birthday card, Christmas card, never called her, or anything in over 4 years. We have joint custody as of right now. What legal rights does he have and can I get the custody modified here in Oklahoma (my daughter and I have lived here since May of 2000).
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Father has reappeared after 5 years and wants visitation
An Oklahoma Court can exercise jurisdiction and modify your Texas divorce decree. Custody and visitation should definitely be reviewed by the Court. Also, it may be possible to terminate your ex's parental rights and thereby eliminate any right he has to visitation. If this is something you might want to consider, you should contact an attorney immediately. Time is of the essence.