Am I supposed to report to someone if my sons father doesn't bother to use his visitation days?

Question

My sons father has one full day of visitation every other weekend but I haven't heard from him in over a month. Am I supposed to tell the courts or anything like that? If I don't have to then I won't because the guy I'm with now is a better father figure and loves my son more than the poor excuse of a man that helped create him, so I'm not worried about him missing out on "daddy" time. He doesn't even recognize pictures of his biological father anymore so if I don't HAVE TO contact anyone to report him than I won't. Thanks to anyone who answers!

Answer 1

Your son's father does NOT have to use his court ordered visitation unless he chooses to do so. The reason there is such a court order is so that the CUSTODIAL parent (that would be you) can not keep the non custodial parent (the child's father) from seeing the child no matter WHAT the reason.

Answer 2

You should document the date of any and every visit because you will forget later. From what you say, there hasn't been much, so it may take some remembering. Most importantly, try not to disparage your son's dad or compare to your present partner. It is VERY hard, but if you do this, it could backfire. If his father reappears, your son may feel disposed to take a stand for him. You can't smear the bio dad without unintentionally slamming your son.

Answer 3

I would document his non-involvement just in case he decides to become daddy at a later date when your child would be uncomfortable being with him because he doesn't know him. If you have a lawyer send the info to him quarterly or to the child support court just so you cover your son's best interest in the future.

Answer 4

No you are not required to "report" anyone.

If he fails to be a father, then it's his fault not yours.