What Happens If Your Ex Refuses To Follow A Maryland Parenting Time Schedule?

A parenting time schedule is meant to offer a stable routine for children and create expectations for both parents once they’re divorced. In some cases, conflict may ensue because one parent consistently fails to abide by the set parenting schedule. Such situations involve denying child visitation rights, picking the child up late, or not showing up at all.

It is important to know what steps you should take in case your ex refuses to abide by the parenting schedule in Maryland.

Start by documenting every violation 

The next step is to document each failed or interrupted exchange of parenting time. Documentation includes saving any texts, emails, voicemails, and other forms of communication related to the matter. Also, keep a calendar where you note down the date, time, and situation of each violation.

Documentation may be crucial if the matter ends up being taken to court at some point. The better documented the matter is, the easier it will be to prove non-compliance on your part.

Try to resolve the problem without court involvement 

Litigation should not necessarily be an urgent need in every parenting time conflict. Confusion, scheduling issues, or communication problems can be easily solved by discussing these matters appropriately among the parents.

If direct communication does not work well, mediation may be a more effective way to resolve conflicts and develop reasonable agreements that benefit the child.

Nevertheless, if one of the parents intentionally disregards the schedule and does not cooperate despite various attempts, legal measures are inevitable.

The court can enforce the parenting order 

A parenting time order is a judicial order. If one parent breaches the agreement continually for no valid reason, the other parent can seek enforcement of the order by the court.

In some cases, the court will grant make-up parenting time as a remedy for the breaches. The court can also issue other orders to ensure compliance and prevent future disputes.

Courts in Maryland usually expect both parties to adhere to custody and parenting time orders unless there is an emergency or compelling reason that makes compliance impossible.

Repeated violations can impact future custody decisions 

A willingness to facilitate a positive relationship between the child and the other parent is one aspect that Maryland courts could take into account when determining custody.

If one parent continually hinders the visitation of the other parent, which was ordered by the court, it could be viewed by the court as being against the best interests of the child. Under some circumstances, it could help support a petition to change the custody and visitation order if there is a significant change in circumstances.

However, each case is different, and the courts will examine all the particular facts.

Talk to a Bel Air, Maryland, Child Custody Attorney Today 

Schlaich & Thompson, Chartered, represents the interests of Maryland parents during custody disputes. Call our Bel Air family lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin discussing your next steps right away.