Visitation Rights of Fathers in Kansas
Kansas courts recognize the importance of the involvement of both parents in a child's development. Where custody is vested in one parent, Kansas law allows the non-custodial parent access to the child, allowing the parents, where possible, to come to an amicable agreement in regards to visitation. Where the parents cannot come to an agreement, Kansas courts will impose a reasonable visitation schedule that is in the best interests of the child.
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Agreed Visitation
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An amicable visitation agreement reached by the parents is preferred under Kansas law and allows both parents flexibility in scheduling of visitation. Kansas allows for reasonable visitation at reasonable times under reasonable conditions with proper notice, meaning that a couple will not have to adhere to a strict court-imposed schedule. Instead, they can remain flexible with visitation that can maximize time with the child, or falls on mutually beneficial dates.
Mediation
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In an effort to reach an amicable solution to child visitation, Kansas courts may order that the parents enter into mediation of the visitation issues. Mediation is confidential and non-binding, so you do not have to worry about anything that is discussed in mediation being brought in open court. Participating in mediation may help you come to an acceptable compromise and shows the court your willingness to be reasonable and compromise on the subject of child visitation.
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Typical Guidelines
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A Kansas court that issues a child visitation schedule will generally require the residential parent have the child prepared at the designated time, and encourage the child to enjoy time spent with the father. The father will be required to arrive promptly, visit at reasonably time and take the child to safe locations. Finally, both parents should abstain from demonizing or insulting the other parent either to the child, or in the child's presence.
Restrictions on Visitation
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Where the father has been convicted of domestic violence, violent or drug felonies, or has a history of abuse or neglect, these factors will generally operate as bars to visitation with your child, as the court will have serious concerns about the child's welfare. In these cases if you still want your child to visit with the father, you may want to request supervised visitation at a Kansas facility where the child's welfare will be protected. The Kansas Attorney General maintains child exchange and visitation centers throughout the state for this purpose.
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References
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