Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Virginia

child endangerment

I have full custody of my son. I have expressed concerns about the safety of my son after an incident when one of his father's pit bulls killed one of their cats. I was initially told by my son's stepmother that although they didn't agree with me, they would honor my wishes. They have since NOT followed through on that promise. Do I have to wait for something to happen to my son before I can do anything about this? Can I be charged with child endangerment myself for letting him go with his dad KNOWING the dogs are present. If I refuse to let him go with his dad, can I be charged with violating our visitation agreement?


Asked on 7/16/07, 12:10 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: child endangerment

If you feel a justified concern regarding this situation, you should petition the court to have the current visitation order modified so that your son is not exposed to the presence of pit bulls, no matter to whom such bulls might belong.

No, I see no reason to believe that you could be charged with child endangerment by allowing the visitation to occur which the court has ordered, but it's conceivable that the boy's father might be if he should fail to maintain proper control over his animals.

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Answered on 7/16/07, 3:19 pm


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