{"id":351634,"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-problems.html"},"modified":"2023-07-24T16:19:24","modified_gmt":"2023-07-24T21:19:24","slug":"custody-problems","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-custody\/custody-problems.html","title":{"rendered":"Custody Problems"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Custody Problems<\/h1>\n
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\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

In an ideal world, all divorcing parents would communicate when it comes to child custody issues. However, this is not always the case. Often a co-parent might violate the custody or visitation orders. The co-parents may then have to petition the court for help.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Here you will find tips on what to do if your co-parent doesn’t fulfill their obligations. They might violate your parenting agreement or court order regarding custody or visitation rights. This section also includes information on moving during child custody situations and failing to pay child support.
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Interference With Custody or Visitation<\/h2>\r\n

One of the biggest child custody problems is interference. This occurs when one or both parents intentionally disobey the visitation schedule, fail to exchange the child at the agreed-upon dates, or otherwise fail to live up to the parenting agreement. Sometimes this is done to retaliate against the other parent or to extend (or limit) one’s time with the child. But a parenting agreement carries the force of law as a court order. Failure to follow its directions can lead to civil contempt charges<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Either parent can interfere with visitation arrangements or custody orders. But not all interference is considered a violation of the court order. For example, protecting a child from danger is not a violation. Neither is late visitation due to bad road conditions. It’s generally okay to honor previous agreements that deviate from the parenting plan (such as a summer trip).<\/p>\r\n

The best practice is to have custody agreements in writing, including text messages. Many parenting plans will include issues like vacations or school breaks. This can help resolve any child custody issues in the future.<\/p>\r\n

Types of Custodial Interference<\/h2>\r\n

There are countless examples of custodial interference. Here are some of the more common ways it can occur:<\/p>\r\n