Divorce Advice for Men | Fathers Rights Divorce | Child Custody

Question:

This is the exact reading of my child custody agreement with my children's mother.

"Plaintiff and Defendant shall each have first right of refusal regarding childcare for the minor children if care is needed for one hour or more and such shall take priority over a boyfriend/girlfriend or future spouse providing care for any of the minor children."

So am I required under the first right of refusal provision to give the children to my ex-wife in the event that I have the ability to be with my children, but one of them attends a birthday party or activity with a relative like going to the park if I will not be there?

It is my understanding that it applies only in cases where I would need child care, not for them to be able to do something with a friend or family member.

Question:

I am required to pay a percentage of work-related childcare expenses for my children per my divorce decree.

My child attends the after-school program at his school that I pay for even though my ex-wife is not currently working and available to watch him.

If she is not working and available to provide free childcare, then am I responsible for paying those childcare expenses?

Question:

I sometimes have to miss my scheduled visitation days because of my work schedule.

I have offered to exercise parenting time on alternative days when I am available, but my ex-wife refuses and wants me to pay for childcare on those days when I cannot make my parenting time.

Am I responsible for providing care for my children during my normal visitation time when I am unavailable due to work?

Question:

Am I required to give advance notification to my ex-wife and the daycare if I want to take my children out to lunch?

Our decree states I am to have reasonable and liberal visitation with notice to my ex-wife. She recently sent me a message that I inform her and the daycare ahead of time if I plan to take the kids out to lunch.

Is this really necessary?

Question:

I am ordered to pay child support in addition to half of all child care costs, which can be interpreted in many different ways.

My children attend programs before and after school that provide care but are not technically called "daycare."

So am I responsible for those costs? How do child support laws define child care costs?