Divorce is a breakdown of the marriage, not your relationship with the children. Therefore, your co-parent should not interfere with your parental rights or try to negatively influence relations with your children.
If your co-parent prevents you from accessing the children against court orders or is constantly violating the existing custody agreement, you can take steps to rectify that. Court-issued custody orders must be followed and are enforceable. Here is what you should do.
Try talking about it
It’s always best to resolve such issues with your co-parent through communication. They may have a valid reason for the violation or misunderstanding of the court order. Talking to them calmly and respectfully may help clarify the situation and get them to comply with the order.
If possible, get a neutral third party to help mediate and resolve the matter.
Explore your legal options
Dialogue does not always work out; if it’s the case, it may be time to look into other options. You can go to court to seek enforcement of the custody orders. The process involves filing an enforcement motion and presenting relevant evidence before a judge issues a judgment.
The court can employ various enforcement tactics, such as fines or holding them in contempt of court which can lead to criminal penalties. A judge may also modify the existing orders to suit the circumstances, although it depends on the particulars of each case and the children’s best interests.
Get the help you need
Enforcing child custody orders is essential for protecting your parental rights and ensuring your children’s best interests are served. As such, it helps to have the necessary legal guidance when gathering evidence and arguing your case. It will go a long way in safeguarding your involvement in your children’s lives.