{"id":351959,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:46","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/paternity\/parenting-time-interference.html"},"modified":"2026-07-08T16:51:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T21:51:00","slug":"parenting-time-interference","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/paternity\/parenting-time-interference.html","title":{"rendered":"Parenting Time Interference"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Parenting Time Interference<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Natalie Moritz<\/a> | Legally reviewed by John Mascolo, 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\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Parenting time interference occurs when one parent’s actions disrupt their co-parent’s parenting time. This is often in violation of a court-ordered child custody or visitation schedule. Parents who interfere with parenting time can face civil or criminal charges. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

When parents separate or divorce, the family court will address custody rights and parenting time. Parenting time<\/a> can also be referred to as visitation time. Unmarried parents who do not reside together with their minor children also face these same issues. If an unmarried father<\/a> establishes paternity, he can also seek court orders on child custody and parenting time.<\/p>\n

Parental time interference occurs when a parent actively disrupts another’s allotted time with their child. In some cases, this can rise to a civil contempt of court<\/a> action or criminal charges.<\/p>\n

This article describes parenting time interference. It also includes a discussion of potential consequences and legal remedies. You can also talk to a family law attorney<\/a> near you. Child custody and support rules vary by state and even county. An attorney familiar with your state’s processes can advocate for your rights and the best interests of your child.<\/p>\n

What Is Parenting Time Interference?<\/h2>\n

When two parents share custody of a child, they often create a parenting time agreement<\/a>. This may be called a shared parenting plan or custody agreement. Even when custody remains with one parent, the parents may enter into a parenting plan or visitation agreement.<\/p>\n

If the parents never go to court, their agreement remains\u00a0informal<\/i>. In other words, there is no actual custody order issued by a court.<\/p>\n

When a parent believes the child’s other parent has violated an informal parenting plan, there are limited ways to address the issue. The parents can meet and try to work out their differences. They may hire a mediator to assist them. The first time they disagree about an informal plan may often lead to legal action in court for formal legal rights of custody and parenting time.<\/p>\n

The process of deciding and issuing a formal\u00a0custody order<\/a>\u00a0and setting the parenting time schedule can take several months. The court will review any proposed agreement or weigh the evidence presented in a contested case. The court will determine whether any proposed plan or schedule is in the best interest of the child<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Each state<\/a>\u00a0sets forth standards for custody cases. This may include a list of factors the court must consider in determining the best interest of the child.<\/p>\n

If the parents have already litigated before the family court<\/a>, then the court either adopted their agreed parenting time schedule or issued one for them in a court order. The court-ordered parenting time schedule then becomes key to their disagreement or discussion going forward.<\/p>\n

The parenting time schedule should clearly state the regular time each week that the child is with each parent. It should also include a schedule for holidays, vacations, and other days of special meaning.<\/p>\n

Parenting time interference<\/a> occurs when a parent denies or obstructs the other parent’s court-ordered parenting time. This can occur directly or indirectly.<\/p>\n

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Child support and custody rules vary by county. Find an attorney near you<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Direct Parenting Time Interference<\/h3>\n

Direct interference with parenting time can take many forms. In the most drastic cases, one parent may physically prevent the other parent from seeing the child. Other examples include:<\/p>\n