Ex-husband hasn't kept in contact with our teenage daughter and now he wants visitation. She doesn't want to go back to his home. He says that he can force her to go. Can he do this?

Answer 1

This is probably answered by the custody portion of the divorce decree, and will be governed by the laws of the state where your daughter lives. I would suggest that this is important enough that you should contact your state bar association and find an attorney to answer this for you. Usually a referral to an attorney by the state bar association will give you a free or very low cost meeting with a licensed attorney.

Answer 2

In general, visitation rights are determined by court orders or custody agreements. If there is a valid court order or custody agreement in place, the ex-husband may have the legal right to enforce visitation. However, if the teenage daughter expresses a clear and reasonable objection to visiting her father's home, the court may take her wishes into consideration when making a decision. It is important to consult with a family law attorney who can provide guidance specific to your situation.