Free Child Visitation Letter

A divorce decree may specify responsibilities in several areas for one or both parties. For example, the decree may assign responsibility for the payment of alimony by one party to the other party. If custody of a minor child is awarded to one parent, the decree may also specify child support payments and visitation rights for the noncustodial parent.

An optional feature of this letter is to request compliance with child visitation provisions of a divorce decree, stipulation, or other agreement. This letter would be the first step in informing the other parent that you will be pursuing enforcement of these child visitation provisions.

Generally, child visitation rights can be legally enforced only by initiating a legal proceeding. For example, if a mother refuses to permit a child's father to exercise his visitation rights, she can be charged with refusing to comply with the visitation provisions ordered by the court. This charge is called "contempt of court." A court may refuse to enforce a visitation order if the party seeking enforcement has been found to be an unsuitable parent or has previously retained custody of the child wrongfully. If you desire enforcement of child visitation rights, you should contact your local legal services office or your personal attorney.

1. Sign the letter.

2. You may wish to attach documentation to this letter, such as a copy of the important parts of the divorce decree, stipulation, or other agreement.

3. Keep a copy of the letter and any attachments for your records.

When a divorce decree awards custody of minor children to one parent, visitation rights are generally given to the noncustodial parent. Some courts also recognize that grandparents have visitation rights. The divorce decree often provides specific details regarding child visitation.

This document allows either parent to advise the other parent of the arrangements for a child's visit. In addition to specifying the time and location of pickup and return of the children, this program permits the user to identify special activities involved with the visit that the other parent should know.