questions & answers

Question: I have 50/50Joint Custody & 50/50 Legal Decision Making, and my Ex doesn't want my girlfriend or family member picking up my son due to the fact I'm at work when it's my schedule time to pick him up ? Is she legally able to do this or is she in contempt of court? She also won't drop him off at my house because she doesn't like my girlfriend even tho my son likes her and he likes being around her and his 7week old sister /daughter that me and my girlfriend have together,we also lived together for over a year n been together for 3 years?My son has known my girlfriend for along time as well.

Answer: Lawyers see situations like this all the time.  Animosity toward a new spouse or significant other often leads to disputes over visitation.  Take a look at your custody papers.  Is there specific language requiring that the kids be delivered specifically to you or is the order silent on the issue?  Whether the Court would consider her in contempt because she refuses to drop the kids off at your house may depend on the specific language of the order.  Your best bet is to go over your papers with a lawyer and map out a reasonable strategy.  There are three programs in Arizona that you can use to get inexpensive legal advice and guidance.  One is the modest means program.  You wil need to apply for the program and meet the financial qualifications.  Once you are qualified, Modest Means will send you a list of attorneys whose practice covers your area of concern.  You select a lawyer from the list and will be entitled to a one hour consultation for $75.  If you need additional help and if the lawyer agrees to take your case, the most you will be charged is  $75 per  hour.  The telephone number is (866) 637-5341.  Both Maricopa and Pima Counties have lawyer referral programs that offer a 30 minute consult with an attorney.  Maricopa County's Lawyer Referral Service offers its 30 minute consult with an experienced attorney for $40.  The telephone number is (602) 257-4434.  Pima County's Lawyer Referral Service offers a 30 minute attorney consult for $35.  The telephone number is (520) 623-4625.