Mother keeps my son away from me. I went to file for modified visitation and now she went is trying to get me to sign my rights away to her boyfriend. What's my next step? Do I need a lawyer?

Hello C:

Well, try as she might, unless you abuse your children, she can't take away your rights. Even if you wanted to, you couldn't sign your rights away.

Fight for your children.

excon

Do you already have a court date to have your visitation modified? If so then you keep it! If not then make one. Are you wanting it modified because you want more visitation or because she hasn't allowed the visitation already ordered? I only ask because you said she keeps him away from you. This implies, at least to me, that she isn't going by the court order. But you also said that you want it modified. That is completely fine. I just wanted you to make sure that if she is not doing her part for your already ordered visitation that you make the judge aware of that fact. I wouldn't worry about her wanting you to sign your rights away to her boyfriend. That's not the way the law works.

First, any question on law needs to include your general locale as laws vary by area.

Second, if you want our help a bit of background is needed. Please answer all these questions.

1) Were you married? Are you the legal father? How old is the child?
2) Is there any court ordered visitation currently in place?
3) If so, is she not adhering to the schedule? Are you?
4) Define what you mean by "went to file"? Did you file in court or what?
5) You said; "she went and is trying to get me to sign my rights away". She went where? How is she trying to get you to sign?

Some things I can tell you. In the US, you can't just sign your rights away. Only a court can terminate parental rights and courts are very reluctant to do so, even if the parent is willing. The boyfriend would have to adopt the child with your agreement to get your rights terminated.

If there is a court order and she is not complying, you ask the court to cite her for contempt.