The hardships of dissolving a marriage do not always end once the divorce is finalized, especially if you and your former spouse share children. You and your ex will likely continue to field your way through various obstacles in the aftermath and many of them might not have a straightforward answer. Although every parent understands the importance of following a child custody order, fewer are aware of what to do if their children refuse to visit their other parent. Of course, keep in mind, you likely force your children to do numerous things they would rather forego on daily basis, such as brushing their teeth or going to school. You are the parent, they are your children, and a judge will expect you to have some control over the situation.
Repercussions You Might Face
If your toddler is refusing visitation, it is highly unlikely you will receive any sympathy from a judge. In this case, it should be easy for you to make the child reasonably available for visitation. If the child who is refusing visitation is a teenager, however, a judge might be a little more understanding since teens can exert more force than a toddler can, making it significantly harder for a parent to comply with a court order.
That said, if a judge believes you did not do everything within your power to make a child reasonably available for visitation, you might be held in contempt of court. The key to ensuring you can prove that an effort was made is to effectively communicate with your co-parent. If a child is refusing visitation, let your ex-spouse know and describe the incident in detail. You might even consider allowing your co-parent to come to your home to find out what is wrong. Doing so will not only show your co-parent firsthand what is occurring, but it will also keep you from shouldering all the responsibility in this matter.
How to Deal with Children Who Refuse Visitation
Although, as a parent, you should have control over the situation, you should not necessarily have to force a child to do anything. Instead of simply making your child visit your co-parent, talk to the child who is refusing visits and learn the reasoning behind it. Perhaps something negative happened in your co-parent’s home or certain changes in the household made your child feel uncomfortable. If you believe your child’s health and wellbeing are at risk, you will have to take the matter to court.
Speak to a Compassionate Family Law Attorney Today!
If your child is refusing visitation, you are likely concerned about the impact this could have on you and, more importantly, you might wonder why your child is avoiding visits. To ensure this delicate matter is handled appropriately, you need knowledgeable legal counsel on your side. At Sherwood, Johnson & Poles, our family law attorneys are backed by more than six decades of combined legal experience. Our team will do everything possible to help you achieve the best results for you and your family.
Contact our law office today at (888) 224-1218 to set up a complimentary consultation.