What if Your Child Refuses Parenting Time?
When your child does not want to see their other parent, you must find out why they are refusing. Likewise, remember that courts mandate both parents to follow custody agreements. Unfortunately, inadvertently violating even a seemingly inconsequential condition you think may be in your child’s best interest can have legal consequences.
You should stick to the custody order while taking your child’s concerns seriously. However, it may be time to reevaluate the existing custody order if your child’s reason for refusing parenting time with their other parent places their physical or emotional health and safety at risk. At Purdy Law Office, LLC, our dedicated child custody lawyers in Harrisburg, PA, have helped many clients like you navigate this delicate situation. We can do the same for you.
Consequences of Not Complying with Custody Arrangements
When your child is resisting visitation with their other parent, not managing the situation properly, or disregarding your child’s concerns, it can result in serious consequences for your child’s well-being and their custody arrangements. You need to encourage your child to adhere to the arrangement because the custody order is legally binding.
If you decide to let your child stop seeing their other parent, regardless of your concerns (except in emergencies), the court can hold you in contempt, fine you, modify the custody order in the other parent’s favor, or send you to jail. This means you must follow the custody order and address your child’s feelings and fears.
However, you should know you have legal options to protect your child. State law emphasizes the children’s best interests, so if your child has a genuine safety or emotional concern, you should inform the court about the situation. Talk to an experienced Harrisburg child custody attorney to determine your best option.
What You Can Do for Your Child
One of the most crucial things you can do for your child is to validate their feelings. You should also start documenting everything. What has your child been saying, and when did they first refuse time with their other parent? How many times has your child resisted? Is it consistent, or does it coincide with specific events or behaviors? Give your records to your Harrisburg child custody lawyer if the issue ends in court.
Child custody attorneys are often called in during major custody disputes. They are, however, just as valuable in situations like this, where things are uncertain and very emotional. Your Harrisburg child custody attorney can help you with the following:
- Understand your rights and obligations under the current order
- Communicate with the other parent in a legally sound way
- Evaluate whether your situation warrants a modification of custody
- File a petition with the court, if needed, to safeguard your child’s safety and health
- Represent you in court or mediation, especially if the other parent contests your claims
Protect Your Child’s Best Interests with Legal Guidance
If your child is struggling with visitation or if you’re unsure how to protect them while respecting a custody order, our child custody lawyers in Harrisburg, PA, are here to help. Contact Purdy Law Office, LLC, online or at (717) 674-2885 to set up your case review.