When spouses realize it is necessary that they go their separate ways, the parting can be difficult. This is especially true if there are children involved. When this is the case, it is vital to a child’s best interest that they are able to have access to both parents through a fair and reasonable child custody agreement. Recently, an event transpired that exemplifies the importance of fathers’ rights in regard to having access to a child.
Making headlines is a story out of Austin, Texas, about a woman who allegedly kept her daughter hidden in Mexico for more than 10 years. A judge in Travis County has set the woman’s bond at $1 million. The girl, who is now 17 years of age, was returned to the states thanks to a rescue mission.
Also part of the story is the girl’s father, who lost his daughter 12 years ago when his ex-wife is said to have kidnapped her and taken her south of the border. Now the father has hopes of successfully reuniting with the girl. It seems the story has all the components required for a happy ending. But up to this point, the father has not been able to see the girl.
At present, the girl says she does not want to meet with her father. This sad fact is allegedly owed to the girl having been told negative things about him during the period in which she lived in Mexico. For his part, the father understands that it will likely take some time before his daughter is prepared to see him.
An important aspect of a father’s rights is the ability to maintain a connection with his children after a divorce. This case, while clearly extreme, demonstrates the damaging effect that being denied access can have in maintaining a healthy father-child relationship.
If you are a father whose child custody rights are being violated by your ex-spouse, you do have the right to seek a legal remedy. A Texas child custody attorney may be able to represent your interests when seeking a resolution through mediation or the court.
Source: Fox 7 News, “Greg Allen talks about finding daughter Sabrina,” Oct. 3, 2014