Blairsville, GA asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Georgia

Q: Can my daughters step mother make me make up time with my daughter because I got her for a Christmas dinner?

I asked my daughters father weeks ago if I could get her 3 hours early their next weekend for a Christmas dinner. He said it was no problem. When his wife was the one to pick her up, she tells me I can only get her if I will make up the time. She tells me that after she confirms I haven’t spoke with Her husband anymore. I don’t believe her husband said that, seeing as how he wouldn’t even be home from work the day I would bring her early. His wife has been highly manipulative in the situation and always tries to pit us against each other. Our agreement states we have to agree on any things like this. But can I say no since it was his wife that tried to make the agreement? And can I get any trouble if they decide they don’t want to give her back early but he and I agreed on it? Although it’s not in writing. She goes to their house three weekends a month, three days each and was at their house 5 days for Christmas, so I feel like the 3 hours is just her trying to have power over me.

Related Topics:
3 Lawyer Answers
Ellaretha Coleman
PREMIUM
Ellaretha Coleman
Answered
  • Divorce Lawyer
  • Atlanta, GA
  • Licensed in Georgia

A: You and your child's father are the only two with rights to decide how to split parenting time with your daughter.

Regina Irene Edwards agrees with this answer

1 user found this answer helpful

Kim Ebert
Kim Ebert
Answered
  • Lithia Springs, GA
  • Licensed in Georgia

A: You don't have to listen to her. But you certainly shouldn't be telling her that. Just don't listen. Ask yourself, what's it worth? If you can give up the time, then it may be worth not fighting about it. In my experience, if 2 parents can't get along or there's a step-parent in the muck, adhering to the visitation plan is imperative. You may consult with an attorney about how to deal with like situations in the future. Paying for a consult now is much better than a court fight later, imho.

1 user found this answer helpful

Homer P Jordan IV
Homer P Jordan IV
Answered
  • Divorce Lawyer
  • Atlanta, GA
  • Licensed in Georgia

A: This is between you and your ex-husband. You don't have to listen to her, but as my colleague pointed out, it's probably not the best route in telling her that. Just discuss the time issues with your ex. -Homer P. Jordan IV, Esq. 404-620-1558 HomerJordan.com

1 user found this answer helpful

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.