What happens if the father doesn't exercise his visitation privileges?

Answer by  samantha (16)

The mother can petition the court to have the father exercise the ordered privileges. She can choose to ignore the situation and go on with the children as if the father wasn't supposed to come for a visit. If he chooses not to come for a visit, then at an alloted time period, he will relinquish any rights.

Answer by  wallaby78 (2293)

If a father does not exercise his visitation privileges, he can lose them. A judge may revoke visitation on the grounds that the father shows no interest in being a part of his children's lives.

Answer by  Mary (2095)

This depends on whether the primary parent wishes to force the visitation either for ease of childcare or for the preservation of the relationship. The father is still obligated to pay child support and any other court ordered obligations, unless rights are terminated. What should be avoided is the false hope that father will visit.

Answer by  epglaw (553)

This is a sensitive question with the court. If the father elects to never have visitation, then you can ask the court for a modification of the visitation agreement/order. If the father is unable to visit due to legitimate reasons, or is unable to keep to a regular schedule, then the court is going to be flexible with the father.

Answer by  tamarawilhite (17883)

The father must still pay child support if he chooses not to visit. However, the mother can be in contempt of court if she interferes with visitation that he wants to have arranged. For example, if she is seen as impeding or is never available on his scheduled visitation, she can be in legal trouble.