[Ms_Sippi07]

I am the father of my child! I want to have visitation rights to my daughter but, the mother doesn't just want to give them to me. How can I legally go about getting visitation rights to my daughter

[Fr_Chuck]

When you and her went to court for child custody, visitation should have been awarded.

So you go back to court to make them inforce the child visitation order.

If you have never went to court, you take her to family court for joint custody, or visitation for your child.

Once you have it court ordered, you can have the court force her. I have a close friend, and right now, if his ex does not bring the baby for visition, on a certain day, she is fined by the court.

[grammadidi]

The very first step is to put it in a lawyer's hands... and record every single attempt you make - the date, what you requested and for when, and the response - from this moment on. Don't give up! If you can't afford a lawyer, drop in at the family court and speak to duty counsel. Tell them what you want and that you can't afford a lawyer and they will guide you. There is probably legal aid in your area.

I don't know how old your daughter is, but you can still send cards, letters, make phone calls in the meantime. Again, if they are returned and/or refused, keep records! Keep anything you mail that is returned... and keep it unopened. If your daughter has to later ask "why didn't you" the answer will be supported with all the proof.

Even if you don't pay support she can't refuse visitation unless there is a court order denying it. Usually in cases like that you can request supervised visitation and it will be granted. Of course, if you pay support you will have a better chance of impressing a judge.

Good luck!

Didi