Matthew Fenton testifies in contempt case over visitation rights with son Ashton

The Dickson Chancery Court in Tennessee held a significant hearing on May 14, 2025, focusing on a motion for contempt related to visitation rights involving Matthew Christopher Fenton and his child, Ashton. The court proceedings highlighted ongoing disputes between Fenton and Ashton’s mother, Amy Hewitt, regarding visitation compliance and child support issues.

During the hearing, Fenton testified about several instances where he claimed his visitation rights were violated. He described a series of events beginning with a court ruling on August 30, 2024, which granted him supervised visitation with Ashton. Fenton stated that on the first day of his visitation, August 31, he was only allowed to see his son for about an hour and twenty minutes, despite being entitled to eight hours. He reported that Hewitt abruptly asked him to leave, which he claimed was unjustified.

Fenton also recounted a visit on September 28, 2024, when he arrived for his scheduled visitation only to find that Hewitt had taken Ashton to a birthday party without notifying him. He presented text messages as evidence of their communication, which included discussions about child support and visitation arrangements. Fenton argued that Hewitt's actions constituted contempt of court, as they disrupted his legally granted visitation time.

The court also reviewed a video recording from a visitation on November 3, 2024, where Fenton claimed he was denied access to Ashton. He described an altercation with Hewitt, who he said became irate when he arrived for visitation. Fenton maintained that he had been following the court's orders and that Hewitt's refusal to allow him to see Ashton was a violation of those orders.

In response, Hewitt's counsel questioned Fenton's claims, suggesting that he had not provided sufficient evidence to support his allegations. They pointed out that Fenton had been allowed visitation during some instances and that he had not always communicated effectively regarding rescheduling visits.

The hearing concluded with the court allowing both parties to present further evidence regarding the contempt motions. The judge emphasized the importance of adhering to court orders and the need for both parents to cooperate for the well-being of their child. The outcome of the hearing remains pending, with the court expected to make a ruling on the motions for contempt in the coming weeks.