Dealing with a problematic co-parent who repeatedly violates your custody order can be frustrating and emotionally draining. Whether they fail to follow the visitation schedule, withhold the child from you or ignore other aspects of the agreement, these actions can disrupt your life and affect your child’s sense of stability.
Fortunately, your hands are not tied, and you should not accept such behavior as the norm. Here’s what you can do to address the issue and protect your parental rights.
Document the violations
Record every custody order violation, and include details like the dates, times and description of each incident. Without proper documentation, it may become a matter of your word against theirs, which could complicate things. Documenting your co-parent’s constant violations also helps demonstrate a consistent pattern of violations and not isolated incidents.
Discuss the situation with your co-parent
If possible, try resolving the issue amicably by talking to your co-parent. They may not fully understand the consequences and seriousness of violating court orders. Remember to keep the conversation calm and respectful to encourage cooperation in resolving the matter.
Seek legal intervention
As a last resort, you may have to turn to the court for reprieve. For example, you can file a motion for contempt seeking to hold your co-parent accountable for disregarding court orders. The judge may also reevaluate the custody arrangement by adjusting parenting time or introducing additional safeguards to ensure compliance.
Seeking qualified assistance when facing this or other custody-related issues can help you understand your rights and help you determine the best course of action to arrest the situation.