If you have a parenting plan in place in Jackson, Mississippi, both parents will be expected to comply with the plan. The custodial parent has particular responsibility in making sure that visitation rights are honored. But what can you do as a custodial parent if the non-custodial parent is a “no show” to visitation times? And what can you do if your child doesn’t want to see his or her non-custodial parent? It can be emotionally disturbing for a child to repeatedly be “stood up” by his or her other parent. And some children or teens may not want to see their non-custodial parent for a range of reasons, some of which may need to be addressed through counseling or through the courts. When it comes to visitation rights, custodial parents have a responsibility to honor the parenting plan, and failing to do so can lead to legal issues. If you are having difficulty with a current parenting plan in place, your best option may be to seek a parenting plan modification or child custody modification. In some cases, this may be appropriate. Before you take any action in terms of changing a visitation plan, you may want to speak to a family law firm like Ballard Law, PLLC in Jackson, Mississippi. Taking custody matters into your own hands without approval by the courts can have legal ramifications for the custodial parent. Our family law attorneys can review your situation, understand the reasons why you might want to modify your parenting plan, and assist you in doing this through the courts, if needed.
What Can You Do If Your Child Doesn’t Want to Visit His or Her Non-Custodial Parent?
There are steps you can take if your child doesn’t want to visit his or her non-custodial parent. The first step should be to take the time to talk to your child to understand why he or she doesn’t want to see the other parent. In some cases, you might learn that he or she is frightened, angry at the other parent, or has another concern. In some instances, parents learn that the child is being exposed to an abusive situation or to physical or emotional violence and this information can give you the ability to take further action to protect your child. If you are concerned for your child’s safety and wellbeing during visitation, you may need to seek assistance through the courts right away. However, there are situations that are also less clear. Sometimes, after a particularly conflict-ridden divorce, children and teens may harbor feelings of anger toward one parent. This can also result in the child not wanting to spend time with this parent. According to the Journal of Clinical Psychology, parents in these situations may be wise to seek counseling for their families and children. A professional may be able to assist the family in healing the wounds of divorce. Parents should also take the time to discuss with their children the importance of maintaining a relationship with both parents. However, if a child or teen is adamant about not seeing the other parent, seeking professional help can be useful. Sometimes, the custodial parent can even petition the court for a modification of the parenting plan to honor the child’s wishes. Sometimes parenting plans are made when the children are younger, and as a child gets older, his or her wishes need to be considered. Ballard Law, PLLC is a family law attorney in Jackson, Mississippi that may be able to help you seek a parenting plan modification if your child no longer wants to visit his or her non-custodial parent. It is important to note that the courts tend to favor the children having an ongoing relationship with both parents and tend to resist making changes to arrangements. However, if an arrangement is no longer working and you have strong reasons for petitioning the court for change, reach out to the family lawyers at Ballard Law, PLLC in Jackson, Mississippi to learn more.
What Can I Do If the Non-Custodial Parent is a “No Show” At Visitations?
It can be devastating for a child if his or her parent doesn’t show up for visitations and it can be incredibly frustrating to be the custodial parent trying to promote your child’s relationship with the other parent, but find that the other parent doesn’t want to engage. While you may have little immediate recourse if your former partner doesn’t show up to a visitation, you may have options by seeking a modification of parenting plan through the courts. The best option is to talk to your former partner. Perhaps the time isn’t working, or perhaps a change in scheduling is needed? Sometimes things change. Discussing and documenting these changes may be enough to improve visitation. But, if you find that your former partner isn’t communicating, isn’t showing up, or is making plans and then not showing up, resulting in distress to your child and disruptions to your life, you may have the option to petition the court for a modification of parenting plan. Ballard Law, PLLC is a Jackson, Mississippi family law firm that may be able to help you. Reach out to our family lawyer today or connect with us by reaching out to USAttorneys.com today.
