Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

Father abusive - Do I have to allow visitation?

My ex-husband was abusive to me which is why we divorced when our son was 3 months old. He never contacted our son for 2 years and didn't even know we were divorced. When I pursued child support, he started trying to visit. I have supervised visitation in my home for 2 hours only. However, my husband's new wife has called me crying and complaining he is abusive to her also. And he has started arguments with me in my home while visiting and also told my son things about me that upset him and had him in tears. He is only 5 years old. Because of my ex's behavior, I do not want him talking or seeing my son and definitely do not want him around me or on my property. However, I do not have the finances to take him to court to have his visitation rights cancelled right now. Can I get in trouble for not allowing him visitation even though I am fearful of him and of what he will say to my son? Can he call the cops on me or would he have to take me to court? If he took me to court... would I look bad in the eyes of the court for keeping my son from him? Thank you.


Asked on 4/15/06, 8:47 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Re: Father abusive - Do I have to allow visitation?

You dont want to deny visitation. You may seek to have him under a strict supervised visitation (perhaps with someone appointed by the court).

In Harris county there are groups that can help when finances are tight. Try calling South Texas College of Law's Legal Clinic and speak to them about helping for free at 7136598040. Also some law firm's will work out payment plans, I know several that do just that in special circumstances.

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Answered on 4/15/06, 11:18 pm


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