Visitation Access

A surfer asks:  

I have some questions regarding my child’s father and his access for visitation.  I can’t afford a lawyer.  Where can I go for help?  Also, does it matter that we were never married?

Kris Responds:

Start with a website:  www.lanwt.org/TxAccess/dis.asp—  a website from the Legal Aid of Northwest Texas, Inc, that discusses basic questions regarding parenting and supporting the care of a child for citizens residing in the State of Texas.  On this website, issues pertaining to paternity, rights and marriage status are addressed.

Most counties have legal aid and family services located within their county directories that also dispense information and resources that can help.

Mediation is a great method for both parents to “get on the same page” with those issues that the law gives choices and/or doesn’t address specifically.  If parents are in agreement and the court is satisfied that the child is being taken care of in accordance with the law, rarely will a judge decide in disfavor of a mediated agreement between parents regardless of their marital status.