Legal Question in Family Law in Tennessee

problems with a stepparent

My ex husband remarried a woman, who has two children of her own. She does not have custody of these children and has been to jail for failing to pay support. She does not see her children, except for when it is good for her. This stepmother is interferring with my ability to see my own child. On my weekend of visitation, I have arrived late once due to traffic problems, but called and had to leave a message. When I got there an hour late, my child did not know that I called and this stepmother reminds me that I am to return the child on time. The next time, I arrived early, for fear of traffic problems again, rand the doorbell. No answer, but can hear movement in the house. Was forced to wait to the designated time, by her not coming to the door until she was ready to. Also if I call to speak with my child, she looks at the caller ID and sees that it is me calling. She refuses to let me speak to my child. Is there a legal term for the actions that she is doing, other than being a witch.


Asked on 7/04/00, 8:48 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Jes Beard Jes Beard, Attorney at Law

Re: problems with a stepparent

You seem a bit unreasonably concerned about your ex's new wife. Her relationship with her children is irrelevant to you and your children.

You also seem to ignore the fact that your visitation does start at a specific time. If you get there early and they do not want to let the children leave, then you can wait. If you get there late, then you can miss it.

If you want to change the schedule to give you some flexibility, go back to court for it, or ask your ex- to sign an Agreed Order with the changes.

If phone visitation is being denied, you need to do the same, and get specific times set for your calls, to assure that the child is there and ready to talk with you.... but focus on what needs to be done, not on name calling.

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Answered on 9/10/00, 6:17 pm


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