Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

legally setting up visitations/unmarried

Do I need to legally set up visitations & the rules that would go along with it? Should I file for sole custody to ensure my son will stay with me? We are unmarried with a 16 month old and are separating. Our son will live with me (mother). I have been the primary caregiver & financial supporter since he was born. His dad is/was not home but 1 or 2 times a week so I am mainly what son knows. I don't want him to have our son overnight at this age.I feel it might be confusing for our son since he is not used to being away from me besides at his grandmother's during the day while I work. The father has not spent much if any time alone with our child and I don't doubt that he can care for him but I am fairly sure it will be confusing and scary for our son. I DO NOT want to exclude his father and I want his father to play and active role in his life. I just want what is best for my son and feel the same stability and routines he has had his whole life will keep this process smoother. We plan on talking and trying to set up how we will handle this without getting the courts involved. I just need to know where and how to go about seeking advice or counsel should we not be able to agree on terms of visitation


Asked on 5/09/08, 11:42 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Patricia F. Bushman BUSHMAN LAW OFFICES

Re: legally setting up visitations/unmarried

You need to sit down and talk with a good family law attorney in your area who can explain things like step-up visitation schedules and the long term advantages of a paternity order that establishes paternity, custody, and support to you. There is no advantage and a number of disadvantages of not "getting the courts involved".

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Answered on 5/09/08, 2:27 pm


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