Parenting plans guide divorced couples in sharing responsibilities for their children. These plans outline how parents will divide time and make decisions. But sometimes, one parent might not stick to the agreement.
Violations can be small, like occasional lateness, or serious, such as denying visitation. If your ex-spouse isn’t following the plan, you have options to address the situation and protect your child’s interests.
What to do if your ex violates the parenting plan
Facing violations of your parenting plan can be stressful. Here are some steps you should think about that can help you moving forward:
- Document everything: Write down dates, times and details of each incident
- Talk it out: Try to discuss the issues calmly with your ex-spouse
- Consider mediation: A neutral party could help you both find common ground
Your child’s well-being should be the top priority. Minor slip-ups might not need a strong response but don’t ignore serious breaches that could harm your child.
Legal options for ongoing violations
If your ex keeps ignoring the parenting plan, you might need to turn to the courts. Florida state laws provide several ways to address this:
- Enforcement motion: Ask the court to make your ex follow the plan
- Contempt motion: Request penalties for disobeying court orders
- Modification request: Seek changes to the plan if it’s not working
It is important to note that Florida courts generally prefer parents to resolve issues outside of court whenever possible. However, they also take parenting plan violations seriously. Consequences for ignoring a parenting plan can range from fines to make-up parenting time or even modifications to custody arrangements.
When dealing with parenting plan issues, it is essential to consider the well-being of your children first. Court action may be necessary depending on the situation, but peaceful solutions could also be a good option. Your goal should be to create a stable, loving environment for your child, even when co-parenting gets tough.