Common Child Custody Violations: The Do's and Don'ts

 

Custody of a child is one of the most sensitive topics within a divorce agreement. It leaves both the parents as well as the child in an emotional turmoil, and sometimes it becomes challenging to handle the situation. In such cases, the court steps in and outlines a custody plan. But what if the custody agreement is violated? It is imperative to know what constitutes a violation so that you can safeguard the interests of your child. Therefore, this article will highlight the common child custody violations, the consequences that come with it, and how you can handle the situation.

 

1. Withholding visitation

Once the court approves the custody arrangement, it outlines the visitation schedule as well. Every parent gets the right to see their child during the allocated time slots, no matter what. However, if one parent tries to withhold visitation rights or cancels the scheduled visitation, it is a severe violation of the custody agreement. There could be many reasons for such violation, such as anger towards the other parent or prioritizing the child's schedule over the other parent's rights. Parents who keep the other parent from having a relationship or keeping the child from knowing the other parent may find themselves in trouble with the law.

2. Ignoring child support payments

It is the duty of both parents to support their children financially, no matter what type of custody arrangement is in place. But sometimes, custodial parents have to bear the burden of all child-related expenses because the non-custodial parents fail to pay their share. This is a direct violation of the custody agreement. If the said parent fails to pay child support, they may be subject to penalties, such as wage garnishment, asset seizure, or even imprisonment.

3. Moving without approval

If one parent wants to relocate, the custody order needs to change, and both parties must agree. The relocation cannot be executed without consent from the other party and the court. If they do move, they are violating the agreement, and the move may not be permanent. If the parent moves without court approval, the court may change the custody arrangement altogether.

4. Disparaging remarks about the other parent

Nothing can be more disturbing for a child than being caught in the middle of parental conflict. If one parent speaks ill of the other in front of the child, it may have a significant impact on their life. The comments can generate anxiety and negative thoughts in the child's mind that may lead to other problems in the child's life, such as low self-esteem or depression. Therefore, it is essential to avoid such disparaging comments. Parents who engage in alienating the parent-child relationship may find themselves violating their custody order.

5. Failing to communicate

Communication is key in a custody agreement. It is essential to keep the other parent informed about the child's health, major life events, and school performances. If a parent fails to communicate such information, it may raise red flags about their commitment to the well-being of the child. It can not only lead to reduced visitation time, but it may also lead to the court making a custody decision in favor of the other parent.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, divorce is tough on everyone, and the custody agreement is vital to protect the child's interest. Ignoring or refusing to comply with the custody agreement can harm the child, which is why the court takes custody agreements very seriously. If you feel that your child's other parent is violating the custody agreement, it is best to consult with an experienced child custody lawyer in Orlando, FL. Ilvento Law is an established law firm with seasoned lawyers who have ample experience in dealing with custody cases. Contact us today. We would be more than glad to help you navigate through your legal options.