Family Lawl Child Visitation Rights

[califmom]

Reside in California. Recently was served legal papers for a court hearing regarding child visitation. My ex-spouse has never played an active role in our children's life. My children are now ages 19,17 and 14. Their father did not want to play a role in their lives when they were much younger and most certainly needed his care and visits. Now that they are teen-agers will the court consider the lack of involvement prior to this request when making a decision regarding my children? It seems unfair to me that their father is making demands this late in their life. I recently asked for a review for modification of income in regard to child support. Now my ex is seeking to have his visitation on a defined basis. What rights do my children have? They are happy seeing their father as they have for the past 19 years.

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

Reside in California. Recently was served legal papers for a court hearing regarding child visitation. My ex-spouse has never played an active role in our children's life. My children are now ages 19,17 and 14. Their father did not want to play a role in their lives when they were much younger and most certainly needed his care and visits. Now that they are teen-agers will the court consider the lack of involvement prior to this request when making a decision regarding my children? It seems unfair to me that their father is making demands this late in their life. I recently asked for a review for modification of income in regard to child support. Now my ex is seeking to have his visitation on a defined basis. What rights do my children have? They are happy seeing their father as they have for the past 19 years.

My response:

As far as the 19 year old is concerned, that child is an adult and will not be made a part of ANY court order. It's over as far as that child is concerned.

As far as the other two children are concerned, that's a toss-up. Some judges will give more visitation, and others won't. It depends upon the severity of the situation and in which County. In Los Angeles, the judges are a bit more liberal than, say, Ventura County. So, it's really an unknown at this point.

You say "lack of involvement", but have no definition for that phrase.

IAAL