When a judge determines a custody parenting plan for a minor child, it remains in effect until it is modified or expired. The law requires both parents to comply with these rulings while in effect, but not every party is willing or able to do so.
A skilled child custody lawyer at Addair Law may help you enforce the existing court order when involved in a visitation dispute. A Lincoln County child custody enforcement lawyer could advise you on the best approach to solving these issues.
Not every disagreement between co-parents warrants a court order violation. For the court to get involved, a parent must establish noncompliance with the parenting agreement. Examples of this behavior may include:
Enlisting the support of experienced legal counsel could be invaluable during this challenging period. A Lincoln County, child custody enforcement attorney could help determine if legal action is necessary and whether disputes might be resolved through diplomacy.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for parents. Sometimes, an amicable approach may work well for both people. Other times, filing a legal action is the only path forward. An experienced custody enforcement lawyer in Lincoln County could review options and advise how to proceed.
A conflict may be resolved by negotiating with the other parent’s legal counsel. One parent can unintentionally violate the order’s terms because of confusion about their obligations. An attorney might advise these parents to comply with the current parenting agreement and warn them of the consequences if they do not comply.
In cases that require legal intervention, State law provides a process for seeking help from the court to enforce these orders. After a parent files a petition, the judge may set a hearing and consider the evidence on whether the agreement was violated.
If a judge finds that a parent has violated the terms of the parenting agreement, they have various tools at their disposal to ensure future compliance. Some examples of alterations could include:
The court’s goal is to ensure the order is followed. A judge would only radically alter the terms of the parenting agreement or use their contempt power harshly in extreme cases.
Typically, law enforcement will treat disagreements as civil matters and refuse to get involved. When issues arise, speaking with legal counsel experienced in child custody enforcement in Lincoln County could ensure the court addresses the noncompliance. One should always notify the police when a child is in danger.
Retaliating or attempting to rectify the dispute the wrong way might violate the terms of the parenting agreement and even result in criminal charges. The best course of action is typically to put these cases in the hands of an attorney.
Conflicts with your child’s other parent could impact your relationship with the most important people in your life, both now and in the future.
Instead of dealing with these challenges alone, you must get the help you deserve. Reach out to a trusted Lincoln County child custody enforcement lawyer as soon as possible to learn more.