Legal Question in Family Law in Virginia

Re: Father doesn't want daughter to come visit

I have ethical problems with a man who decides "its not working out" about being a parent. Your child will certainly suffer from such a loss. Fix the man. But if that is impossible, here's what you do.

You must get his decision in writing signed by him. This will justify you following his wishes now. You must also immediately file a Motion to Amend the prior court Order in the courthouse where the old Order came from. You state the reason as father wishes to discontinue visitation. Before the Court date you can have a lawyer draw up a Consent Order giving him no stated visitation. Let it read "at the discretion of the mother" so that if he ever comes to his senses you can be the one who decides if it is in your child's best interests. If both of you sign such a Consent Order, the Judge will sign it in advance of the Court date and no hearing is necessary. If not you all show up and tell the judge that's what you want.

Some people are better off without bad parents. If he needs time to recover from a bad time for him, fine. Maintain his obligation to pay you child support. It is the least he can do for a child he created. Better yet, kick him in the head to clear the cobwebs.

Good luck.