In most divorces, child custody, visitation, and financial support are highly disputed and contested issues. Visitation rights are essential to non-custodial parents. During the divorce process, a parenting plan is established which outlines the frequency and duration of visitations as well as other aspects to parental roles.

Located in O'Fallon, Missouri, Divorce Lawyer Mike Watkins has more than 30 years of experience helping parents through the divorce process. Our experience in family law matters can help you understand how the law applies to your specific case. Involving an experienced, competent family law attorney early in the steps toward divorce can save you time, money and emotional stress as well ensure your interests are represented well in court.

What Can Impact Child Visitation
As in many states, the State of Missouri recognizes a parent's right to visitation. However, visitation can be impacted by a parent's behavior, such as:

• Criminal record
• DWI or drug convictions
• Conviction of a sexual offense
• Documented alcohol or drug addiction

While these factors alone do not automatically limit or possibly forfeit your visitation rights, they can greatly impact how the court permit visitation. For example, evidence of these behaviors may mean your visits must be supervised. In the case of a DWI conviction, the court may prohibit you from driving while children are in the vehicle.

Violation of Child Visitation Terms and Parenting Plan
As mentioned earlier, divorces with children involved usually incorporate a parenting plan which outlines each parent's responsibility to the child. The plan will specifically address vacation, travel, custody, communication, etc. It is imperative that both parents adhere to the parenting plan. Failure to abide by the terms of visitation and the parenting plan may jeopardize the existing plan. If your spouse violates the terms of the parenting plan and visitation, we can immediately file a contempt order and take the legal action necessary to defend your children as well as your rights.

Child visitation is one of the many important aspects of the parent plan. Having an experienced, skilled family law attorney represent you will ensure you achieve the best possible outcome. Contact us today to arrange a FREE Consultation with our family law attorneys and learn how the law applies to your specific situation.