I got a marital problem with my wife and we are separated for 1.5 years. Both of us do not want for filing divorce petition immediately. To keep issue in track I filed for restitution. This is filed in Dec 2012. This is running with multiple hearing and counselling. This may take another 6 months also to close.
My spouse is using my 3 year old kid to bargain with me. She refused to give me access to the kid so far in past 1.5 years and I got limited possibility of mediation or discussion with wife. I saw the kid only when she attended court counselling. I am not able to spent time with my kid or visit him. A divorce could take another 2 years also if it happens like that. I would not be able to see my kid during next 2 to 3 years if it is going like this.
My question is about child visitation rights and child custody rights for father (child around 3 years old) during separation period or before divorce while divorce proceedings are happening. Is there any way to get access to my kid with in next 6 months time (before restitution is passed) while we are separated? How can I get at least joint custody or visitation rights before divorce is filed or during divorce proceeding? Would you please share legal options?
1. Can I file for child custody or visitation rights while restitution is filed?
2. How about child custody and visitation rights while divorce proceeding are happening?
3. Can I use any methods outside court like child rights?
4. How can I make sure that I get at least joint custody of a 3 year old kid after divorce?