What Rights Does The Father Have If The Mother Was Awarded Sole Custody?

When it comes to determining custody in a divorce, there are two outcomes the court can decide on. In cases of joint custody, both parents are awarded partial custody of the child. However, when sole custody is awarded, only one parent has custodial rights. If the mother of your child was awarded sole custody, as a father, you may be wondering what rights you have. At Simonetti & Associates, our Suffolk family lawyer has the answers you’re looking for.

Visitation Rights

Even if you have not been awarded custody right, you may still be able to spend time with your child. Our Suffolk family lawyer will help you secure visitation rights if you have not been awarded custody. These visitation rights can either be supervised or unsupervised, depending on the court’s decision. Once a ruling has been made, and visitation rights have been granted, your ex-spouse is not legally allowed to prevent you from adhering to the previously determined schedule.

The Right To Challenge

If you believe that the custody ruling made by the court is unjust, you have the right to file an appeal. Our Suffolk family lawyer can help aid you through this appeal process and work to overrule any agreements that were made which are detrimental to the wellbeing of your child.

Moving With The Child

It is not uncommon for parents who have been awarded sole custody to want to move with their child. In some cases, they will be able to do this without issue. However, if you are a non-custodial parent and have visitation rights, you will play a role in this decision. Before they can move, the custodial parent must either be granted permission to do so by you or the court. Should you have a valid reason for them not to move, our Suffolk family lawyer will help display this to the court.

Contact Us

Finding out you have not been awarded custody of your child can be a devastating blow. However, as a non-custodial father, you must remember the rights you still have regarding your child. To learn more about this, or to appeal any decisions the court has already made, contact our team at Simonetti & Associates today.