Fathers have the right to be granted visitation of minor children just as much as the mother. Some legal issues have to be dealt with because children most times are in the custody of mothers, according to Online Lawyer Source. Visitation can be court ordered or just an agreement between the parents. However, court-ordered visitation will be upheld or the other party faces contempt of court.
Establish Paternity
To have court-ordered visitation, the father must first establish paternity if this has not be done already. Establishing paternity can include taking a paternity test or signing a legal document that the father recognizes he is the legal father of the minor child. After paternity has been established, the father's name is placed on the birth certificate and now he has legal rights to the child just as the other parent does. Establishing paternity is important in the case of future child custody or visitation issues, according to Online Lawyer Source.
Visitation Rights
After visitation rights have been court ordered for a father they must be upheld. Both parties must agree upon scheduled visitation times. It is important to outline custody and visitation issues while going through a divorce. Scheduled visitation and custody issues can be arranged during the divorce proceedings, according to Just 4 Dads. The custodial parent, usually the mother, must respect the visitation rights and cannot schedule for other activities and events where the minor child will miss the visitation with the father. If the mother is the cause of missed visitation that has been court ordered, the father can report this and have the mother held in contempt of court, according to Online Lawyer Source.
Shared Responsibility
Shared parental responsibility is separate from visitation but can be sought during the court proceedings for unmarried parents. With shared responsibility, the father can still have visitation rights, but will also have a say in how the child is raised. The mother is required to consult with the father on issues of education, religion, medical decisions and vacations.
