Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

visitation rights and rules

According to the divorce decree my my step daughter has to see her biological father every other weekend. She HATES to see or be around him at all. She says he is mean at times, completely ignores her at other times, and usually just wants her there to babysit his other daughter. Are we legally required to make her go to her fathers home even though she doesn't want too? It's getting to the point where we have to physically restrain her in the car to get her there and she is beginning to resent her mother and I for making her go. What can we do?


Asked on 12/03/03, 10:58 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Gary Preble Preble Law Firm, P.S.

Re: visitation rights and rules

Be very careful. A case just came out in the Supreme Court that addresses this issue and found the mother in contempt. I would recommend reading the case for guidance and perhaps contacting an attorney for strategic advice. The case is entitled Marriage of Rideout and can be accessed for the time being at http://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/?fa=opinions.opindisp&docid=723664MAJ

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Answered on 12/03/03, 11:25 am


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