How does a father who has never met his child begin visitation if they live in different states?

Answer 1

Hopefully, you have cooperation of the custodial parent, but if you do not (and even if you do to protect your rights), you would need to travel to the court of jurisdiction (where the child legally resides) and file a motion for visitation. If you cannot do this, you can hire an attorney to do it for you. However, as the result of your motion, a hearing will be scheduled and you really do need to show up for that. You will be questioned and from that, the judge will determine whether it is in the best interests of the child to initiate and keep to a schedule of visitation. The custodial parent will be notified and has the right to either agree or file a motion of objection in response to your request as well and has a certain (usually short) period of time to do so, so your visitation may not begin for a few weeks or a few months if your motion is granted.