What Happens To A Parent Who Violates A Custody Order?

When you and your partner first split up, you likely went through the court system to handle child custody matters. In order for a custody order to work, both parents must follow the rules. Unfortunately, some parents make poor decisions and wind up violating the order. While a minor violation may not warrant harsh legal consequences, there are consequences for violating the order. Our team at Flowers Law Group would like to discuss what can happen to a parent who violates a custody order. Continue reading to learn more. 

What Is A Child Custody Violation?

Custody orders are set into action to protect both children and parental rights. These agreements dictate where the child will live, visitation, and which parent can make legal decisions for the child. Parents must comply with these legal orders. There are several different ways a parent may violate a custody order, including:

• Failing to show up for visitation repeatedly. 
• Tardiness or failing to return the child to the custodial parent at the scheduled time. 
• Disrupting the other parent’s time with their child. 
• Taking the child out of the country or out of state without permission. 
• Neglecting the child’s needs or schedule during their parenting time. 

These violations put the child’s safety in danger and violate the other parent’s court-ordered rights. 

What Happens If You Violate A Custody Order?

Depending on the type and frequency of the particular violation, a parent may face legal ramifications. Here are some of the penalties for violating a custody order:

• Repayment for child care costs. 
• Modification of current plan to eliminate issues with custody exchanges and transportation. 
• Fines. 
• Jail time if the co-parent’s misconduct was extreme. 

In any situation that involves interference with valuable parenting time, parents need to keep track of any violations and track any expenses incurred as a result. 

Contact Us

Custody battles can be highly stressful, emotional, and complicated. If legal action is the only way to address a co-parent’s violation, you can trust our team at Flowers Law Group. We are ready to handle these complex legal tasks and protect your rights as a parent. To learn more about enforcing custody agreements, be sure to contact us today to set up a consultation with our experienced attorneys.