Visitation and Deployment

[rolo2302]

I am in the military and currently deployed. When the ex and I divorced in the decree it was stated that I were to call and she must return my call that same day. Well, what I'm doing now is emailing her and trying to set up times to talk and see both of my children using the webcam. I don't get a response from her and she doesn't get on the webcam so that I could talk to them and see them. Do I have a claim in holding her in contempt of court even though I'm deployed? Also, I was wondering what consequences may come out of this on her part? I would really like to have custody of the children as I feel that I would be the more responsible adult in allowing visitation and letting her talk to the kids. Would I be able to use this to have custody changed?Any help would be appreciated.

[MixedBag]

IMHO -- and I'm no attorney

You probably won't get the judge to hold her in contempt if video messaging isn't mentioned specifically in your decree.

What you could do is to ask the court to include ALL forms of communication -- and then I'd guess that if you want video messaging, you might be ordered to provide the hardware for her end.

Also, this isn't "enough" (again, IMHO) to warrant a change of custody filing when you get back.

If it continues, you might get make up time with the kids -- you probably missed some physical time with the kids -- particularly if she has never called you back and you missed calling the kids.

[rolo2302]

I talked to my lawyer and the lawyer is saying that I could possibly hold her in contempt of court for it but I would have to do it all when I get back. I have been documenting everything. I am missing a lot of stuff with them while I am gone. I try to talk to the ex but she doesn't make an effort or says that she is too busy for me to see or talk to the kids. As for the hardware, she's already got it all since we have used it when I first arrived and she all of a sudden decided she's too busy and I haven't seen them in the past 2 months.

[MomofTwo]

Mixed Bag is right...if your court orders do not specify that while you are deployed that you are to use web cam and she has to answer your emails, there is nothing to hold her in contempt for.   What do your court orders say regarding means of communication while deployed?  If your orders are ambiguous or silent regarding communication while deployed, you need to file for a modification and have that included in the orders.

This is not enough for a custody change. 

[Davy]

I guess I live in a totally different world.  This is a matter of human decency.

One would think if orders are ambiguous or silent regarding communication while deployed it is because it is a "Given" and for anyone to defeat that communication is at very least very mean-spirited if not evil.

This act of defiance is very relevant to Oh Ruby's ability to remain as a primary custodial parent.

[MixedBag]

Davy -- we live in the same world

You are right -- it is a matter of human decency.....mom isn't displaying any at the moment.

I think dad needs to get it clarified and added -- but he shouldn't hope or count on contempt.

and this round will assist down the road....it's a baby step, but one in the right direction

[snowrose]

Is it mean-spirited to not allow communication via something other than the phone?  Yes.  Is mom ignoring forms other than telephone communication within the letter of the law when it comes to this agreement - most likely.  There is the odd judge who might come down on the side of Rolo, though.

Yes, the very best thing to do is probably expand your custody order to include all currently available forms of communication.

And I'm afraid I have to agree, the communication problem at this point isn't enough to get a change in custody.

[MrCustodyCoach]

There are general, vague communications clauses in almost every custody order, so yes - you can file for contempt of court and yes, a judge can find her in contempt.  Best you can do is continue to try to make contact.  Continue to document failures for callbacks or videoconferences.  Have at least one of your team be there as witness as they are able, you could use their sworn affidavits later or maybe they would even appear in court on your behalf to testify.

While it's unlikely that it will result in a custody change, these are the situations you use as the impetus to request changes to, not only the communications issues, but to the custody order itself in terms of the parenting time.  Just because you won't win it doesn't mean you don't ask for it.

[rolo2302]

Honestly, I never thought about trying to get anything put in about deployments. I figured the means of communication would still be the same as long as there was an effort on my she would have to put up an effort. To me, it feels like BM is trying to hide the kids from me and not let me be a father to them. I understand there are some dead beat dads that don't want anything to do with the kids but I want to be there for them and be in their lives. I would like to get a change of custody if it's possible at all. I'm having a hard time as it is trying to get into contact with the kids even when I'm back at home. I talked to the lawyer and she says there is something with contempt that I can do.

[ocean]

Have the lawyer call the BM or send her a stern letter stating that the father has a right to speak to his children during deployment and that if she does not give your lawyer times the children will be available then you will be forced to take this to court and ask for makeup time upon return to the states. (I am sure the lawyer can file something and you either have telephone conference in if possible or have lawyer speak for you?)
Then file for clarification and add in times when father is deployed...then ask for extra time for the first 6 months upon return..more time that first summer...the holidays in that next year since she is getting this year.