Not the Right Reasons to Refuse Visitation

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.