Legal Question in Juvenile Dependency in Virginia
visitation rights
My ex-girlfriend and i had a son. I joined the army shortly after that and i have been paying child support since 2002, she has not let me see him at all since joining the army. I now live in Tennessee and want to know what i should do to get to see me son more. She has not been able to give me a correct address, and does not return any of my phone calls. I need to know what kind of legal action i could take. thank you
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: visitation rights
Whatever court imposed a child support obligation on you can also order visitation. You will need to prepare a petition for visitation and a parenting plan. I have sample copies of each if you contact me.
http://michaelguth.com/prose.htm
http://michaelguth.com/visitation.htm
http://michaelguth.com/permancyplan.htm
Re: visitation rights
YOU NEED TO GO TO THE JUVENILE COURT CLERK'S OFFICE IN THE COUNTY WHERE EITHER YOU LIVE OR WHERE SHE LIVES AND FILE A "PETITION TO ESTABLISH PARENTAGE". A COPY OF THIS PETITION WILL BE SERVED ON HER AND THE CLERK'S OFFICE WILL SET A HEARING DATE BEFORE THE JUDGE. YOU WILL GET VISITATION RIGHTS IF YOU ASK FOR THEM. MOST COUNTY JUVENILE COURT OFFICES WILL ASSIST YOU IN FILING SUCH A PETITION. SOME OFFICES HAVE FORMS THAT YOU CAN FILL OUT. IT DEPENDS ON THE COUNTY THAT YOU ARE IN IF THEY DON'T, GET A LAWYER TO HELP YOU.