{"id":351632,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:26","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/child-custody\/custody-or-visitation-interference.html"},"modified":"2024-10-15T15:21:00","modified_gmt":"2024-10-15T20:21:00","slug":"custody-or-visitation-interference","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-custody\/custody-or-visitation-interference.html","title":{"rendered":"Custody or Visitation Interference FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Custody or Visitation Interference FAQ<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/jade-yeban-j-d\/\">Jade Yeban, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/rhonda-earhart-esq\/\">Rhonda Earhart, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            October 15, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n    <div class=\"fl-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <p>Once a court approves or grants a child custody arrangement or visitation rights, it is up to the co-parents to follow through. Sometimes one co-parent may interfere with the other co-parent&#8217;s visitation time. When this happens the co-parent may return to court for help enforcing the order.<\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n<p>The child&#8217;s other parent may interfere with your visitation time with the minor child. They might disregard the parenting plan or prevent phone contact with your child. These are examples of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/paternity\/parenting-time-interference.html\">custodial interference and visitation interference<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>This article answers some common questions about visitation interference and custody interference issues. You\u2019ll find examples of scenarios where a parent may be violating the custody order, potential legal consequences, and how you can address the situation.<\/p>\r\n<p>Understanding your rights and potential legal remedies can help you better navigate these challenges. For more information and resources, see FindLaw\u2019s&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-custody.html\">Child Custody Law <\/a>section.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions and Scenarios<\/h2>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"#childsupport\">Should I stop paying my child support to force my ex into giving me more visitation?<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#late\">My ex is always late picking up and dropping off our child. Is this custody interference?<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#religion\">We disagree on decisions regarding our children\u2019s religion, healthcare, and education. Do I have to consult my ex about these things? Is their behavior considered custody interference?<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#chores\">How can I get my ex-spouse, who has joint custody, to contribute more to our parenting responsibilities?<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#stop\">Can I stop my child from staying with my ex-spouse if I have sole custody?<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#vacation\">Is there anything I can do to ensure I know of future vacation plans beforehand?<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#kidnap\">I fear my ex won&#8217;t return my children after a parenting visit. What can I do?<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#move\">My ex has sole physical custody of our children and plans to move across the country. What can I do?<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#apartment\">Can I prevent parental visits if my ex&#8217;s apartment is not safe for our infant?<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#wishes\">What should I do if my child does not want to see their other parent?<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#Help\">Get legal help with a child custody or visitation interference issue<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><a id=\"childsupport\"><\/a>Q: My ex has physical custody of our kids. I am always prompt in sending my support check, but lately, I&#8217;ve felt I don&#8217;t have enough time with my kids. Is it a good idea to stop paying my child support to force my ex into giving me more visitation?<\/h3>\r\n<p>A: No, it is not a good idea. It could backfire and result in you having less or no time with your children. You could lose parental rights if the lack of payment is accompanied by desertion or abandonment of your children.<\/p>\r\n<p>Visitation and child support don&#8217;t have anything to do with each other from a legal standpoint. A judge can hold you in contempt of court for failing to pay child support unless you have a legitimate reason for not paying (such as being seriously injured and unable to work). Courts may impose jail time for failing to pay court-ordered child support under civil or criminal contempt proceedings.<\/p>\r\n<p>Try having a civil conversation with your ex about having more parenting time with your kids. If that doesn&#8217;t work, you can request a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.findlaw.com\/law_and_life\/2015\/04\/how-to-modify-a-custody-order.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">modification of the visitation schedule<\/a>&nbsp;in court.<\/p>\r\n<p>Joint physical custody is another option if you and your ex don&#8217;t live far apart. This is a shared arrangement where parents share custody of a child. They may spend equal time with the child and make major decisions about the child together. Courts will only grant this option if it doesn&#8217;t harm the children and the parents show that they can work together.<\/p>\r\n<p>The courts will make this determination using the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-custody\/focusing-on-the-best-interests-of-the-child.html#:~:text=The%20Child&#039;s%20Best%20Interests%20in,Security\">best interests of the child&nbsp;<\/a>standard.<\/p>\r\n<h3><a id=\"late\"><\/a>Q: Our visitation order clearly states that my ex must pick up our child at a certain time on a certain day each week. But they are consistently late and sometimes don&#8217;t bother to show up. This is very hard on our child, and it often interferes with my life. Can I do anything about this?<\/h3>\r\n<p>A: The first step is to talk to your ex and get an understanding of the reasons why they&#8217;re late or a no-show. If work or family responsibilities are the cause, you may be able to fix the problem with a few simple changes in the parenting time schedule.<\/p>\r\n<p>If there is no valid reason and you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-custody\/custody-problems.html\">can&#8217;t find a solution<\/a>, you can ask a judge to enforce or change the visitation order. You should create a list of all the times the offending parent shows up late or doesn&#8217;t show up so you have some documentation of the problem. The court will be more interested in learning about how the situation affects your child than how it is inconveniencing you.<\/p>\r\n<p>It is important to present evidence that focuses on your child rather than you.<\/p>\r\n<h3><a id=\"religion\"><\/a>Q: I have joint legal custody of my children with my ex. We have difficulty agreeing on decisions regarding their religion, healthcare, and education. Do I have to consult my ex about these things? Is my ex&#8217;s behavior considered custody interference?<\/h3>\r\n<p>A: Sharing legal custody of a child can present a wide range of problems, especially when the relationship between the former spouses has deteriorated. As tough as it may be, you still need to keep your ex in the loop when it comes to major decisions, as you may violate a court order if you don\u2019t.<\/p>\r\n<p>If your ex challenges your unilateral decision-making in court, a judge could award them&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-custody\/sole-custody.html\">sole legal custody<\/a>. So, it\u2019s better to comply with the terms of the original order until it can be modified.<\/p>\r\n<p>As always, you should try as hard as possible to work it out among yourselves before litigating in court. If possible, speak to the other party first to understand the reasoning behind their actions that obstruct your co-decision-making rights. Perhaps, the party with less custodial parenting time feels they don&#8217;t have enough visitation or parenting time with your children.<\/p>\r\n<p>Increasing the other parent&#8217;s visitation time with your children might resolve the issue. A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/family-law.html\">family law attorney<\/a> can assist you with filing the proper motions and orders to memorialize the agreement and legally amend the current court order.<\/p>\r\n<h3><a id=\"chores\"><\/a>Q: I have joint legal and physical custody of my children with my ex-spouse. They rarely share the responsibilities of chores or schedules, so I do all the laundry, shopping, and planning. How can I get them to contribute more?<\/h3>\r\n<p>A: First, examine the situation and see if there&#8217;s a reason why your ex hasn&#8217;t helped out with these responsibilities. Personal or work issues might prevent them from doing everything they should. They may not even realize that you feel this way.<\/p>\r\n<p>If possible, talk with your ex and ask them to help. If that doesn&#8217;t work, send them a cordial letter via email or mail listing the parental duties you seek help with and request that they take over some of them. Consider sending a certified letter if they do not respond. If they do not respond or start pitching in within two or three weeks, you may have to return to court to request that the current order be modified.<\/p>\r\n<p>Also, think about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/adr\/mediation\/what-is-mediation-.html\">asking a&nbsp;mediator<\/a>&nbsp;to step in. Impartial mediators frequently help in a situation like this. Sometimes, a neutral third party specializing in assisting with custody and visitation issues can help you achieve the desired results.<\/p>\r\n<h3><a id=\"stop\"><\/a>Q: I&#8217;ve had sole physical custody of my teenager for their entire life. My ex recently promised them a car if they agree to live with them instead of me. Can I fight this?<\/h3>\r\n<p>A: Before trying to fight the move, ask yourself if it could be a good choice for your child.<\/p>\r\n<p>If you still object to the switch, it&#8217;s within your rights to prevent your teenager from leaving. If you choose to do so, your ex could go to court and ask for a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-custody\/custody-modification.html\">change in the custody order<\/a>. Judges will generally give greater weight to their preferences when children get older.<\/p>\r\n<p>That doesn&#8217;t mean that a judge will rubber-stamp your child\u2019s wish to live with your ex, but it does make it more likely the court will allow them to make his own choice. A change in custody must still be in the child&#8217;s best interests. The party petitioning the court for the change bears the burden of proving this.<\/p>\r\n<p>Do not&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/paternity\/what-is-malicious-mother-syndrome.html\">badmouth your ex<\/a> based&nbsp;on your personal feelings. But, if you think your ex is a danger to your child in any way, you should explain this to both your son and the court (assuming your teenager is old and mature enough to understand your concerns).<\/p>\r\n<p>Seek advice from a mental health professional or school counselor before sharing your concerns with your child, This can help ensure the language used and information provided is age appropriate. If you speak with a professional, and they have reason to believe your child has been abused or neglected by your ex, they are likely <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/mandatory-reporting-laws-child-abuse-and-neglect.html\">mandated to make a report<\/a> to Child Protective Services.<\/p>\r\n<p>You could also avoid court altogether by trying to reach a compromise. Increased visitation might satisfy your ex while allowing you to retain sole custody of your teenager.<\/p>\r\n<h3><a id=\"vacation\"><\/a>Q: Over spring break, my ex took our children on a trip but didn&#8217;t tell me where they were going. Is there anything I can do to ensure I know of future vacation plans beforehand?<\/h3>\r\n<p>A: Unless your custody and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-custody\/alternative-worksheet-custody-visitation-schedule.html\">visitation arrangement<\/a> states otherwise, your ex can take the children wherever they want as long as the trip doesn&#8217;t place them in danger. And yet it is probably in the children&#8217;s best interest that you know where they are vacationing in case of an emergency.<\/p>\r\n<p>First, ask your ex for information about any future vacation plans. Explain that you want to know for safety purposes\u2014not to hinder the plans. If they do not provide the information promptly, send a certified letter that politely repeats your request.<\/p>\r\n<p>Suppose there is still no response, or your ex indicates a refusal to provide this information in the future. In that case, you should seek legal counsel about modifying your current court order to include this provision. If you do not have legal counsel, you may want to send your ex&#8217;s attorney a copy. Lawyers can often convince clients to cooperate and amicably settle minor disagreements between the parties.<\/p>\r\n<p>Suppose your current order addresses this already, and your ex refuses to provide address information. In that case, you can file a motion for an &quot;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/order.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">order to show cause<\/a>&quot; demanding your ex appear in court and explain why they shouldn&#8217;t disclose the vacation plans to you. A judge will likely order your ex to tell you the plans, or they could face the consequences of a contempt-of-court finding.<\/p>\r\n<h3><a id=\"kidnap\"><\/a>Q: My ex often returns the children late after the scheduled visitation. I&#8217;m worried they not return them at all at some point. Is there anything I can do?<\/h3>\r\n<p>A: You may be able to resolve the issue by addressing your ex about the tardiness. They may not realize their actions cause you so much concern. They may not understand how the courts view this kind of parenting time interference or irregularity.<\/p>\r\n<p>If your ex fails to return the kids, their actions may violate both criminal and civil law by violating the custody and visitation orders you have in place. At this point, law enforcement can step in to recover the children. In some states, the offending parent may be charged with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-custody\/what-remedies-are-available-if-a-parent-abducts-a-child.html\">parental kidnapping<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>This is a criminal charge. Depending on your state&#8217;s laws, they may also be liable for civil damages in a contempt proceeding.<\/p>\r\n<h3><a id=\"move\"><\/a>Q: My ex has sole physical custody of our children, but I have visitation on alternating weekends. My ex just told me of plans to take a job across the country, which would mean I could only afford to see my kids every few months. What can I do?<\/h3>\r\n<p>A: State laws differ greatly regarding&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-custody\/child-custody-relocation-laws.html\">relocation issues<\/a>. Some states protect the non-custodial parent&#8217;s right to maintain an ongoing relationship with their children. Other states protect the custodial parent&#8217;s right to relocate for employment or family reasons.<\/p>\r\n<p>Try to reason with your ex by explaining your desire to keep seeing your children regularly and laying out your financial limitations. If this doesn&#8217;t work, you should <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/custody-visitation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">consult with your attorney<\/a> to learn more about the laws in your state and possible recourse.<\/p>\r\n<h3><a id=\"apartment\"><\/a>Q: I have an infant child whose father has visitation rights every other weekend. Their father lives in a small apartment that I don\u2019t consider safe for an infant. Their father also doesn&#8217;t have all necessary items, like a crib, stroller, or infant tub. Can I prevent the visits?<\/h3>\r\n<p>A: It&#8217;s best to comply with visitation orders lest you commit visitation interference, anger a judge, and risk giving up some of your custodial rights. You can provide what the baby needs and firmly suggest that the father buy the necessary supplies.<\/p>\r\n<p>Unless the visitation order explicitly states the other parent must buy certain items, they aren\u2019t legally required to do so. But if the items they lack concern the child&#8217;s safety\u2014like a car seat\u2014you should notify the authorities. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/traffic\/traffic-tickets\/seat-belt-and-child-restraint-violations.html\">Driving without the proper child restraint<\/a> is against the law and dangerous for the child.<\/p>\r\n<p>Consider going back to family court to modify the child custody order. Judges will usually require parents to have all reasonable items for the care of the baby.<\/p>\r\n<h3><a id=\"wishes\"><\/a>Q: My child has expressed to me they do not want to spend time with their other parent. We have a joint custody arrangement. Is it parental interference if I honor my child\u2019s wishes and do not force them to spend time with their other parent?<\/h3>\r\n<p>A: Yes, a family court judge would likely consider this parental interference. If there is a court-ordered <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-custody\/joint-custody.html\">joint custody agreement<\/a>, you are legally required to follow it. This is true even if your child does not want to spend time with their other parent.<\/p>\r\n<p>It is important to understand why your child does not want to spend time with their other parent. Is there an issue or concern that needs to be addressed? This can help find a solution that prioritizes their well-being while adhering to the custody agreement.<\/p>\r\n<h2><a id=\"Help\"><\/a>Facing Child Custody or Visitation Interference? Get Legal Help&nbsp;<\/h2>\r\n<p>Some custody or visitation questions are very nuanced and can&#8217;t be easily summarized. Further, your legal options for situations involving a potential move of a child from a home state (or even county) varies by jurisdiction.<\/p>\r\n<p>A family law attorney can help you navigate state laws. They will help you understand your legal rights related to the lawful custody of your child. They will review your custody agreement and advise you on the best way to secure additional \u2014 or enforce existing \u2014 court-ordered visitation. Contact a local <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/family-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">family law attorney<\/a> today for legal support with your custody interference issue.<\/p>\r\n<p>Reach out to a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">criminal defense attorney<\/a> if you are facing criminal charges for parental interference. Depending on your state and the specifics of your case, parental interference charges are misdemeanors or even felonies.<\/p>\r\n<p>A criminal defense attorney can help you defend against contempt-of-court charges. They will also give you valuable legal advice to guide you through your situation.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\n                              stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Both parents can seek custody of their children &#8211; with or without an attorney\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    An attorney can help get the custody and visitation agreement you want\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    An attorney will advocate for your rights as a parent\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>A lawyer can help protect your rights and your children&#8217;s best interests. Many attorneys offer free consultations.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/custody-visitation\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL24\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745902396\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1.png?_i=AA\"\n                alt=\"\"\n                loading=\"lazy\"\n            \/>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-content fl-flex fl-flex-wrap\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-text fl-mb25\">\n            <h4 class=\"fl-no-margin\">Enter your email address to subscribe<\/h4>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <form class=\"email-subscription-content-form\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"distributionList\" value=\"latl\" \/>\n            <label for=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" class=\"fl-text-sm-bold\">Email (Required)<\/label>\n            <div class=\"email-subscription-content-form-group\">\n                <input id=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" name=\"email\" autocomplete=\"email\"\/>\n                <button type=\"submit\" aria-label=\"Submit\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-success subscribe-success-message fl-text-sm-bold\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"status\">Thank you for subscribing!<\/p>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-error subscribe-error-message fl-text-sm-bold\" role=\"alert\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/p>\n\n            <div id=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha\" class=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha subscribe-recaptcha\"\n                data-sitekey=\"0x4AAAAAAABGBEkK9kEeKxO-\"><\/div>\n        <\/form>\n\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-footer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p><a href=\"https:\/\/newsletters.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about FindLaw\u2019s newsletters<\/a>, including our terms of use and privacy policy.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/divorce.html\">\n                        Divorce Overview\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/marriage.html\">\n                        Marriage Overview\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-support.html\">\n                        Child Support Overview\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/custody-visitation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Custody and Visitation Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/family-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Family Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/same-sex\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Same Sex Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/fathers-rights\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Father&#8217;s Rights Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/divorce\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Divorce Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/child-support\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Child Support Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/adoption\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Adoption Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n<div class=\"actionImageCard aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12\">\n    <div class=\"fl-image-card\">\n                <div class=\"fl-image-card__content\">\n            <div class=\"action-card-layout\">\n                <h2 class=\"action-card-layout__heading\">\n                    Don&#8217;t Forget About Estate Planning\n                <\/h2>\n                <div class=\"action-card-layout__content fl-text-lg\">\n                    <p>Once new child custody arrangements are in place, it\u2019s an ideal time to create or change your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.findlaw.com%2Fforms%2Festate-planning.html&amp;data=05%7C01%7CBrittany.Walker%40thomsonreuters.com%7C2d4e4b227c9a4fb86af008dbda212946%7C62ccb8646a1a4b5d8e1c397dec1a8258%7C0%7C0%7C638343608191470728%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=ugL7827i26y6liCh89pIwdM9VXepZNlmC3Lfd6OfyyA%3D&amp;reserved=0\" title=\"DIY Forms\">estate planning forms<\/a>. Take the time to add new beneficiaries to your will and name a guardian for any minor children. Consider creating a financial power of attorney so your agent can pay bills and provide for your children. A health care directive explains your health care decisions and takes the decision-making burden off your children when they become adults.<\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/forms\/estate-planning.html\" class=\"action-card-layout__button fl-button fl-link-button secondary\">\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Start Planning<\/span>\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>FindLaw answers some of the most important questions regarding custody interference and visitation interference. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":351614,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2730],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-351632","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-family"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/351632","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=351632"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/351632\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/351614"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=351632"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=351632"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=351632"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=351632"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=351632"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}