Custody orders have the backing of family courts. Parents generally need to follow the terms set in a custody order or risk being in contempt of court. Despite the expectation that parents should cooperate and act in their children’s best interest, some parents refuse to follow an established custody order.
An unstable lifestyle or high levels of conflict between the parents may increase the likelihood of one parent regularly violating the terms of an established Texas custody order. Whether a parent regularly doesn’t show up for their parenting time, cancels the other parent’s time with the children or makes decisions without their input, custody violations can be very frustrating.
What steps may parents need to take when trying to enforce a custody order issued by the Texas family courts?
Maintaining thorough documentation
Any custody matter addressed in court generally requires evidence. Otherwise, all the courts have to consider are the statements of the parents embroiled in the dispute.
Keeping a written journal of violations, documenting them by responding to the other parent in a parenting app and having witnesses present at custody exchanges can all help people validate their claims that the other parent has not fulfilled their responsibilities or respected the terms set in the custody order.
Seeking an amicable resolution
Once there is clear evidence of inappropriate behavior by one parent, the frustrated parent can attempt to address the matter informally. Sending a message via a parenting app or an email outlining personal concerns can create a paper trail of attempts to resolve the issue.
It also gives the other parent an opportunity to recognize that they have not fulfilled their obligations. If the other parent doesn’t start showing up consistently, consulting a co-parent before making decisions or offering makeup parenting time for canceled parenting sessions, then it may be necessary to ask the courts for support.
Filing a request in family court
A family law judge has the authority to enforce a custody order. They can grant one parent makeup parenting time or declare the other parent in contempt of court because of their behavior.
A family law judge can even modify the custody order to reflect one parent’s refusal to follow the custody order. They can alter the division of parenting time and decision-making authority based on the conduct of the parents and how that changes their opinion about what is in the best interest of the children.
Enforcing a child custody order helps a parent protect their rights and their children. Parents concerned about custody order violations often need help planning their response and navigating the Texas legal system.