CYNTHIA L. DECHOW,

Plaintiff,

-vs- Index #H10075

GARY R. DECHOW,

Defendant.

LUCIAN LODESTRO & ASSOCIATES

(Stephen W. Cass, Esq. of

Counsel) for Plaintiff

JOHN L. SELLSTROM, P.C.

(Hope L. Fredrickson, Esq.

of Counsel) for Defendant

DECISION and ORDER

GERACE, J.

The sole issue for the Court is visitation regarding

Jason, age 16. The father has custody. Jason lives with him

on his farm. He has some chores on the farm. The mother would

like expanded visitation at her home.

The Court interviewed Jason and his brother Chad, age

20, in chambers. Jason visits his mother weekly, but only for

brief visits. The parents live about 7 miles apart.

In this case, the Court feels that an arrangement

that would encourage a constant linkage and visitation with

the mother is appropriate.

Having Jason split the summers between the homes is not

appropriate. Because of his age and positive attitude toward

both parents, all parties should work cooperatively toward

a visitation schedule that maintains the strong bonds between

parents and Jason without the necessity of a Court mandate.

Jason should spend at least one weekend a month from

Friday to Sunday afternoon at the home of his mother. If he

has weekend chores, the farm is not so distant that he cannot

perform them, but, those chores should not unreasonably cut

into the weekend with the mother.

In addition, Jason should visit his mother at least

one evening for dinner during the week, and, every other

Sunday.

On his birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring

vacation, Jason should arrange visitation so that both his

parents can enjoy his company on those holidays.

He should spend Mother's day with his mother, and,

Father's day with Father.

If the parties cannot reach an agreement that is at

least equal to the above, Counsel must arrange an in camera

visit of the parents with the Court.

Dated: February 8, 1995

Mayville, New York

JOSEPH GERACE

Justice of Supreme Court