What to do if my son does not want to visit his mother because she hits him?
Question Details: I have full custody of my 14 year old son. His mother took off and moved to another state. She is insisting he visit for a week; she claims she would buy the plane ticket. Last time they were together when he visited her, he said she hit him. He has not wanted to see her again. I'm scared to let him go and don't know what to do.
Also licensed and practicing in New York.
What does the custody/visitation order state about her visitation rights. First and foremost comply with the order. You don't want to be held in contempt. Second, you may want to file for a modified visitation that prohibits her from using corporal punishment. Some judges will place such a prohibitation in visitation orders. As noted above, you may consider talking to her about hitting your son. Of course, you tell your son to call the police or DFACS if she hits him again. You can warn her that you have instructed him to do so. This should stop her in her tracks.
I suggest that you converse with the mother about the situation that you have written about to confirm the striking. If such happened, the the mother should not be allowed to see your son who is a teenager if he does not want to see her. I suggest that you consult with a family law attorney about the matter and follow his or her advice.
