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aflippen · Sep 5, 2012, 05:51 AM

I am the biological father of my 2 kids. Right now we are going through a visitation battle in court. I just want to be able to at least see them some time. Where would I go to print off papers saying I have the right to see my kids at lunch time.

JudyKayTee · Sep 5, 2012, 05:58 AM

Originally Posted by aflippen

I am the biological father of my 2 kids. Right now we are going through a visitation battle in court. I just want to be able to atleast see them some time. Where would I go to print off papers saying I have the right to see my kids at lunch time.

What do you mean by "print off papers?" Have you gone to Court? Are you asking how to get the matter into Court?

Where?

teacherjenn4 · Sep 5, 2012, 06:31 AM

You will need to have visitation and/or custody papers on file at the school. And, depending on whether it is an open or closed campus, fingerprints cleared by the FBI, TB test, and photo ID to enter the campus.

ScottGem · Sep 5, 2012, 06:58 AM

Schools generally don't permit parental visits at lunch time. So I doubt if you will be able to do so.

There are no "papers to print off" until the court has ruled. You can ask the court to issue a temporary order of visitation until a more permanent solution can be decided on.

J_9 · Sep 5, 2012, 07:02 AM

Originally Posted by ScottGem

Schools generally don't permit parental visits at lunch time. So I doubt if you will be able to do so.

I beg to differ. This might be location specific, but in our area it is highly encouraged that parents have lunch with their children as children have little family time with parents who work and the many activities children are involved in.

ScottGem · Sep 5, 2012, 07:08 AM

Yep, schools in my area do not permit it, except in special circumstances.

J_9 · Sep 5, 2012, 07:10 AM

Originally Posted by ScottGem

Yep, schools in my area do not permit it, except in special circumstances.

I'm pretty sure it's location specific, so it might help to know where the OP is located.

Wondergirl · Sep 5, 2012, 07:12 AM

It's the same around here (Chicago area), unless, like Scott said, special circumstances come into play.

This would be a good library reference question. Hmmmm...

ScottGem · Sep 5, 2012, 07:15 AM

I think this may be more of an urban/rural thing. Urban schools are generally larger. Where a rural school would be smaller and the school personnel would be more likely to know the parents.

J_9 · Sep 5, 2012, 07:17 AM

Originally Posted by ScottGem

I think this may be more of an urban/rural thing. Urban schools are generally larger. Where a rural school would be smaller and the school personnel would be more likely to know the parents.

I totally agree with this line of reasoning.

ScottGem · Sep 5, 2012, 07:20 AM

But this really issue (though interesting) doesn't answer the OP's question. He has to get a ruling from the court before he can do anything.

J_9 · Sep 5, 2012, 07:22 AM

At least in my rural area, the parent as a right to see the children at school unless and until there is actually a ruling against it.

JudyKayTee · Sep 5, 2012, 07:26 AM

Originally Posted by J_9

At least in my rural area, the parent as a right to see the children at school unless and until there is actually a ruling against it.

Side issue but in my area the schools are "locked down" during the school day, including the elementary schools.

But, yes, as I said from the top, OP needs a Court Order - he makes reference to the matter being in Court. I suspect at the moment he believes he has a "right" to see his children more often, and his wife does not.

J_9 · Sep 5, 2012, 07:32 AM

Originally Posted by JudyKayTee

Side issue but in my area the schools are "locked down" during the school day, including the elementary schools.

But, yes, as I said from the top, OP needs a Court Order - he makes reference to the matter being in Court. I suspect at the moment he believes he has a "right" to see his children more often, and his wife does not.

Again, this is location specific. Where I live, and I've been through it, until there is a court order NOT allowing the parent visitation at the school, assuming the school permits lunch hour visitations, the parent cannot be stopped unless the parent bringing the action provides court documentation stating that the defendant parent not be allowed to visit.

In my case the father was allowed to visit unless I brought documents to the school stating that the father was not allowed to visit during lunch and/or be on the visitor's list. In my case the court respected family bonding in split home circumstances, so my ex was allowed to visit the children during lunch hours and could even schedule conferences with the teacher during, and outside of parent/teacher conferences.

JudyKayTee · Sep 5, 2012, 07:48 AM

Originally Posted by J_9

Again, this is location specific.

Agreed. And isn't it sad that schools, including elementary, are locked down during the school day?

J_9 · Sep 5, 2012, 07:57 AM

Originally Posted by JudyKayTee

Agreed. And isn't it sad that schools, including elementary, are locked down during the school day?

Yes, it is, and I'm very glad I don't live in an area like that. I have the ability to go visit my child, his school, and/or teachers at any time during the day. In our system it is called (not the right term but remember I've been up all night) proactive parenting.

I have the ability to sit in on classes if I'm finding the homework a little hard to assist with etc. As parents we are strongly encouraged to be involved with our children not only after school, but during as well.

Again, in my case, I had to have a court order for the father to NOT visit versus the father having a court order to visit. Until that order was signed, which it never was, the father had as much right to visitation to my sons as I did. The school would permit visitation until an order prohibiting visitation was established.

It might behoove the OP to ask what the school's policy is on this situation as well.