Not the Right Reasons to Refuse Visitation

Too often bitterness, anger, and pain can lead couples to separate. After the separation or divorce, it may be tempting for a parent to try to use their child as leverage to get back at an ex-partner or ex-spouse who has caused them to suffer. This is not in the best interest of the children.

A custodial parent is a parent that the children live with while a non-custodial parent is a parent that the children have visitations with.

Custodial parents need to be aware of wrong reasons to refuse visitation to a non-custodial parent who has been granted visitation rights in a court order. Often refusing visitation can lead to fines, jail time, and sometimes even loss of custody of the children.

If a non-custodial parent is behind on child support payments, this does not mean that they do not have the right to see their children. If a non-custodial parent lives in an apartment or studio and does not have a separate bedroom for the children, this does not provide a legal basis to refuse visitation between that parent and the children.  If the non-custodial parent starts a new romantic relationship, the custodial parent may feel hurt because the ex has moved on. They may also feel jealous or uneasy thinking of the children developing a relationship with that person. However, as long as the children are not in danger, these are not reasons to refuse visitation.

Call Jane Gekhman at (940) 222-6014. We can help.