Fathers' rights in child custody and visitation matters are important issues here in Wisconsin and throughout the United States. Too often we hear frustrating stories where fathers are denied basic parenting rights and suffer before courts that don't give them a fair shot when considering child custody and visitation issues.

Fortunately that is not always the case, and it appears that many more courts are recognizing fathers' rights and the need to have both parents involved in a child's life. After all, a fair and just divorce requires upholding the legal rights of each party and the best interests of the child.

Recently a 40-year-old assistant professor at Colorado State University was sentenced to 90 days in a county jail for intentionally interfering with the right of her ex-husband to communicate with their child.

She is said to have refused to give the boy a cell phone to communicate with his father, and also denied him the use of an unmonitored e-mail account, both of which were ordered by the court.

While the mother claims she was "confused" by the court's action, she was led out of the courtroom in handcuffs. After serving four days of the sentence, she was released from jail upon paying the father $1,700 which the court had determined was due him.

The mother indicated that she encouraged communication between the boy and his father and that the boy "called his father once a week," which may have been part of the problem in itself.

Free communication between the child and each parent is essential after a divorce. More dads are speaking up for fathers' rights and demanding an equal say in matters involving their children.

In Wisconsin an attorney devoted to helping parties reach a fair and equitable resolution of child custody and visitation matters may help find a good solution that both parties can live with.

Source: TheDenverChannel.com, "CSU Prof. Jailed 4 Days In Custody Battle," Alan Gathright, Aug 22, 2011