Is communication required between the mother and father of a child?
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Is communication required between the mother and father of a child?
My daughter is 1 and her father lives in Pennsylvania. I have custody of her, not by court order. A child support order has been ordered as of 3/09. I feel no need to have little if any communication with my daughter’s father. If I chose to not communicate (or to have very minimal communication) with him, might this “count against me” should he or I choose to actually file for custody in the court system?
Asked on March 24, 2009 under Family Law, Ohio
Answers:
Denise Ferguson / Denise Ferguson Attorney At Law
Answered 15 years ago | Contributor
It depends on what you mean by have little if any communication as well as whether paternity has been established. Ohio has a presumption of joint custody and if custody is filed, dad may very likely be awarded joint custody so that you will have to communicate with him. You should communicate with him about his child -- if she is hospitalized, if you are moving with the child, and various other important aspects. You do not have to best friends. Legally without court orders you don't necessarily have to communicate at all however if you were to move without letting him know and he filed for custody, he could win by default if he filed and served you at your last known address. There are issues that arise. Truthfully more details would be necessary.
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