Violating a custody agreement is a serious issue, and could lead to harsh
consequences for the offending parent. Not only is it a violation of a
court order, but changing custody arrangements can have a severe impact
on your child, leading to emotional distress and hurt feelings. In order
to handle the situation, consider the following options.
Talk to Your Ex
Try discussing the issue with your child’s parent and see if you
can’t come to some sort of agreement. Reminding them of the pain
their bringing your child may help them realized the error of their ways,
but it may agitate them. Email may be best, because it is documented and
can’t as easily lead to an argument as an in-person discussion or
phone call. You may also propose a change in custody, if the current arrangement
isn’t working out.
Mediation
Choosing to go through
mediation could be a smart, safe way for both of you to discuss the issue of custody
and their violation. A third party observer may be able to explain the
issue to your ex in a way that you could not, with simple facts and legal support.
File for Contempt
The last option, if your ex continually violates custody and will not cooperate
or communicate with you in a helpful manner, is filing for contempt. This
will require court time, where you may prove that your ex did not follow
the custody agreement and a change in custody is in order. Adjusting custody
to allow you to have more time with your child may protect them from any
more disappointment and save them any more hurt feelings in the long run.
For help with your child custody agreement, contact Eiges & Orgel, PLLC
today.