[Katieee]

Question{As an Aunt do I have any rights to my niece..? }
Story{ My beautiful niece Emma was born on April 8... Since the day she was born I have always had a close relationship with her. I was one of her favorite people. I knew her until her 3rd Birthday Party. Her mother decided to not let me(her aunty) her grand mother her father or any of his side of the family. As her aunt I feel so bad about this situation. The only reason she gives for not letting us see her is because of her father doesn't want to be with her any more.
So at first I thought that it was going to be OK if he goes to court and gets every thing all settled but he is afraid to go to court because he doesn't have a job so there 4 he can't pay child support. And by courts orders before he was supposed to have 2 hours of visitation with her every day it has been about 2 years. What you people don't understand is that my niece means everything to me even though that won't really matter. I am only 15 I have 4 nephews and only 2 nieces. 2 of my nephews live in Maine so I don't see them really at all. And Emma is one of my nieces and I don't see her at all any more. I cry every night thinking about her.
BTW juss so all of you people out there don't get the wrong impression of my brother because he doesn't have a job he is looking but is trying to get further schooling so he can get a good paying job. And her mother is litteraly unfit she is a druggy.. }

If there is any information on how I can see my niece please if you could pleasee contact me or right your opinion about this unfortunate situation...
Love always katie

[shygrneyzs]

As an Aunt, you have no rights beyond what the custodial Mother will allow. I know that sounds harsh but it is the truth. You can write your niece's Mother and ask for some visitation with your niece. You can ask if you can keep in touch with her, send pictures, write letters, etc. But you do not have familial rights. Your brother would, as her Father.

Him not going to court is not going to gain him any favor in the court's eyes. By going to court he can establish his intent and ability to pay or give the court satusfaction as to why he cannot pay. Even people who are going to college have some part time job and can make some effort to provide child support. I don't have much sympathy for a parent who uses excuses. While I can appreciate your brother wanting to pursue his education in order to obtain a high paying job, he still can do something to make an effort for his daughter.

[shygrneyzs]

I guess that is all the more reason why he should go to court - so the Judge can see where he is with his job, schooling, child support, etc. Has he had the other child support order(s) reviewed lately? I know he is in a tough spot but he made that spot too. I do feel that your niece's Mom should not hold his other family members back from seeing the little girl. Fair is fair.