Phone Calls

[amanning]

What is the name of your state? Texas

First off, nothing is stated in my decree in regards to phone calls. I remember that my attorney told me when I was going through the divorce, that there are certain "guidelines" designated by the state written somewhere. He said that NCP is allowed one phone call a day to their child.

Is it the same for the CP when the child is with NCP? What if noone answers the phone, and a message is left, but no return call..... Can I call again, or do I have to wait until the next day, or how does this work? My son has never been with his dad for this long, and I miss him and really want to talk to him. We are going to court next month (b/c NCP filed for lower CS pmts), and I don't want to do anything he could try and ream me for. I just want to hear my little boy's voice

 

[Ohiogal]

then call. As long as you don't call continuously or make harrassing calls or have been forbidden to call his house and you are not being stupid and leaving messages that are derogatory, you can call to talk to your son. It won't hurt. If they are not there, call and leave a message. If you dont' get a call back today call tomorrow evening.

 

[ceara19]

Even though it's not a violation of the court order, denying a parent a reasonable number of phone calls just makes you look like an a$$ if it is ever brought up in court.

 

[CJane]

I'm curious though... how old is the child? How long has he been at dad's house (since you state he's never been there for such a long time)?

 

[NotSoNew]

I'm curious though... how old is the child? How long has he been at dad's house (since you state he's never been there for such a long time)?

her son is 7 and she said he was going for "spring break" which i assume is 7-10 days?

 

[CJane]

her son is 7 and she said he was going for "spring break" which i assume is 7-10 days?

Ahhh. We don't have Spring Break here... I guess what would count as SB is the Friday and Monday before/after Easter.

Personally? I wouldn't call. Not legal advice, just my personal opinion.

 

[bononos]

Ahhh. We don't have Spring Break here... I guess what would count as SB is the Friday and Monday before/after Easter.

Personally? I wouldn't call. Not legal advice, just my personal opinion.

Our elementary school gets:
Thur-Fri-Sat-Sun-Mon-Tue

 

[Ithildriel]

Ahhh. We don't have Spring Break here... I guess what would count as SB is the Friday and Monday before/after Easter.

Personally? I wouldn't call. Not legal advice, just my personal opinion.

Yeah, as hard as it is for her, it would probably just upset the little guy to hear mom. So hard to know what the right thing is...

 

[CJane]

Our elementary school gets:
Thur-Fri-Sat-Sun-Mon-Tue

I think we might be one of the few districts that doesn't get a true 'break'. But, school gets out May 12 too.

 

[bononos]

I think we might be one of the few districts that doesn't get a true 'break'. But, school gets out May 12 too.

Wow!
We're not out till June 8.

 

[CJane]

Yeah, as hard as it is for her, it would probably just upset the little guy to hear mom. So hard to know what the right thing is...

In the 2 years I've been divorced, I think I've called my kids maybe 5 times while they were with their dad. Two of those times were when they were spending a week with their grandparents in Minnesota while the ex was on his honeymoon, and the other times were on Fridays when I was going to be picking them up that evening and I wanted their opinion on dinner or weekend plans.

I think that a call to the child might just make him miss mom, instead of relieving any fears he has.

Yeah, 10 days seems like a LONG time... but to the kids, it's usually a blink.

 

[bononos]

In the 2 years I've been divorced, I think I've called my kids maybe 5 times while they were with their dad. Two of those times were when they were spending a week with their grandparents in Minnesota while the ex was on his honeymoon, and the other times were on Fridays when I was going to be picking them up that evening and I wanted their opinion on dinner or weekend plans.

I think that a call to the child might just make him miss mom, instead of relieving any fears he has.

Yeah, 10 days seems like a LONG time... but to the kids, it's usually a blink.

Kiddos 7 too.
He should be able to initiate calls as he feels necessary (to both parents at both homes), if he is responsible in not over doing it.

 

[heartwood]

Call every day

I call my kids every day when they are with their dad - it's always just a quick call to let them know I love them and I'm thinkiing of them - I don't think it should be the child's responsibility to call a parent and I know my kids love it when I call just to say hi, it makes them feel important, loved and missed.
sure, I miss a day here and there, but I make an effort because it is important to my kids.

 

[CJane]

I call my kids every day when they are with their dad - it's always just a quick call to let them know I love them and I'm thinkiing of them - I don't think it should be the child's responsibility to call a parent and I know my kids love it when I call just to say hi, it makes them feel important, loved and missed.
sure, I miss a day here and there, but I make an effort because it is important to my kids.

My kids know that they're loved and that I'm thinking about them whether I call or not. And frankly, during my limited time with the kids, I wouldn't be too thrilled if Dad insisted on calling them every night when they're with me. It's my time, and I'm selfish with it.

Not saying anyone else is wrong. But I don't think, in most situations, that it's necessary or something worth fighting in court over - when the parents both have time with the kids. It's a completely different story when distance is involved.

 

[Inquiry123]

What is the name of your state? Texas

First off, nothing is stated in my decree in regards to phone calls. I remember that my attorney told me when I was going through the divorce, that there are certain "guidelines" designated by the state written somewhere. He said that NCP is allowed one phone call a day to their child.

Is it the same for the CP when the child is with NCP? What if noone answers the phone, and a message is left, but no return call..... Can I call again, or do I have to wait until the next day, or how does this work? My son has never been with his dad for this long, and I miss him and really want to talk to him. We are going to court next month (b/c NCP filed for lower CS pmts), and I don't want to do anything he could try and ream me for. I just want to hear my little boy's voice

Calling once a day will not get you in trouble in court. Calling multiple times a day could be viewed as excessive...obnoxious...or interefering with the other parent's time.

If the NCP is not allowing calls in a manner similar to that which you've allowed in the past, you can ask that a call schedule be imposed at your next hearing.