Q: What rights do I have as a non wed mother who is letting son stay with father without courts getting involved?
Have been together 13 years and have a 11 y/o son. I can't afford a lawyer right now and my son wants to stay with his dad (which is fine) We once separated and I stayed with my mom and made plans for me to get my son for the weekend but he decided last minute his mother was more important to see even though she only takes him for maybe 3hrs tops every other weekend. Not sure if I have rights when I leave because I'm willingly leaving our son with him. So I suppose my question is do I still have the right to see my son after I leave or no? If I get a notary stating I do get to see him and when will that matter in a court of law if something does happen? He's a very spiteful man.
A: You both have rights to be with your son but the best way to ensure that you're not in for a major battle every time you want to see him which he's with his father is to memorialize your arrangements in a court order. A notarized statement or agreement is not enforceable in the courts. Do yourself a favor and consult in person with an experienced family law attorney.
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