In your case, it seems that the kids' mother is unwilling to extend the visitation either because she is ignorant of the law, or just doesn't want you to have more time with them for some reason. Most juvenile court judges want to see both parents develop good, nurturing relationships with their children, especially when the parents are no longer living together with the children in a family unit. If you and your former wife can reach an agreement on extending visitation, you are certainly free to do that without the court getting involved, but I recommend that you put your agreement in writing and both sign it to avoid any problems in the future if the matter comes before the judge. Of course, the alternative is to file a petition in the juvenile court having jurisdiction to amend the previous order on visitation, and ask that visitation be extended. The case will then be before the court and the judge will determine from the evidence whether things should be changed, or stay the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

 


Q: My former wife has physical custody of our two kids, and I have visitation rights every other weekend. The children are older now (almost teenagers) and  have asked her if they can spend more time with me. Their mother said to them,"No, because this is what the judge ordered."  I don't think she wants me to have more time with them and she is using that as an excuse. What can I do to get my visitation times increased?

A: In your case, it seems that the kids' mother is unwilling to extend the visitation either because she is ignorant of the law, or just doesn't want you to have more time with them for some reason. Most juvenile court judges want to see both parents develop good, nurturing relationships with their children, especially when the parents are no longer living together with the children in a "family unit." If you and your former wife can reach an agreement on extending visitation, you are certainly free to do that without the court getting involved, but I recommend that you put your agreement in writing and both sign it to avoid any problems in the future if the matter comes before the judge.

Of course, the alternative is to file a petition in the juvenile court having jurisdiction to amend the previous order on visitation, and ask that visitation be extended. The case will then be before the court and the judge will determine from the evidence whether things should be changed, or stay the same.


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