Child Visitation Issues

Child custody for unmarried parents is an important issue. Unmarried fathers (except in extreme situations) have the right to maintain a relationship with their children through visitation. While the presumption is that the mother has custody when the child is not born of a marriage, the parties can themselves agree to joint custody. If not joint custody, the parties can agree to a visitation schedule and parenting arrangement that best serves their and the child’s needs and values. Having this conversation on unmarried couples child custody facilitated by a trained family mediator is a great step in maintaining good will and open communication between the parents, which will have great benefit to the child.
 
For more information, see Model Parenting Plans released by the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court Department.
 
If you are considering mediation, and would like to speak with a MCFM mediator, search our database for family mediators specializing in Child Custody for Unmarried Parents within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
 
Return to Cohabitation & Non-Marital Parenting

• Cohabitation Agreements
• Paternity Issues
• Child Support