Philadelphia, PA asked in Family Law for Pennsylvania

Q: My ex girlfriend and I do not have court ordered visitation and I haven't spoken or seen my son in over 2 months

For the past 4 years I have seen both my sons every other weekend now I haven't seen my 17 yr old in almost 2 months and mother says he's either sleeping or out with friends. What can I do?

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2 Lawyer Answers
Kathryn Hilbush
Kathryn Hilbush
Answered
  • Media, PA
  • Licensed in Pennsylvania

A: If you can't contact him directly, then your only recourse is likely filing a custody petition.

Penelope A. Boyd agrees with this answer

Penelope A. Boyd
Penelope A. Boyd
Answered
  • West Chester, PA
  • Licensed in Pennsylvania

A: This sounds like a situation where there is a legal answer and a practical answer. By the time you filed any kind of petition and got before a court, it is likely that your 17 year old will become an 18 year old and not subject to custody. And even if you went to court, a court will listen to the preferences of a child of 17 and take them seriously. Sleeping and hanging out with friends is a large part of a teenager's life. On the other hand, he should be spending time with his father because that is also important. Have you considered other ways of maintaining the connection with him in a way that he will see you without resenting you?

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