[carl24]

My daughter has not wanted to come visit me during my visitation time due to the influence of her mom and other family members. She is now 16. I live in Las Vegas and they live in Utah. The divorce was in Las Vegas. What can I do? Can her mom be held in contempt of court or is it up to my daughter if she does not want to come see me. We do talk on the phone at least 3 -4 times per week. I feel we have a good relationship and am not sure what my rights are. Please help...

[ScottGem]

If there is a visitation order the mother is required to make the daughter available for that visitation. But she is not required to force the child to go with the parent. So, lets say you go pick up your daughter for a weekend visit. The mother needs to have her packed and ready, but doesn't have to force her to get in the car with you.

Now, if you can prove that she doesn't want to come visit due to influence from others, you can try to get her cited for parental alienation. But that's hard to prove.

If you talk to your daughter what reasons does she give? A 16 yr old is often too wrapped up in her own activities to find time to visit a parent as far away as you are.

[jenniepepsi]

To add to everything Scott has already said, have you considered moving to Utah? To be closer. Make visits easier and more stable? This may help a great deal where your daughter is concerned.