In a lot of divorce cases, parents work hard to negotiate with the other parent, taking great pains to keep things civil and amicable while discussing some of the harder issues in their divorce and child custody situation. Unfortunately, even after an agreeable parenting plan is ordered, sometimes the other parent will start finding ways to stretch the limits of that agreement.
When a parent refuses to adhere to the parenting plan, this is known as custodial interference. Sometimes it starts as little incidents here and there, and the other parent may make excuses to keep the parent from spending time with the children. It may be something like “she doesn’t feel well” or “they have too much homework.” Of course, incidents in life happen and sticking to every single scheduled event is difficult, but if this pattern continues or increases and begins to cause a parent to miss out on substantial parenting time with the children, it may be time to take action.
The best thing a parent who believes they are being the victim of another parent who is intentionally interfering with the custody and visitation plan can do is to consult with an experienced family law attorney. Sometimes talking and pleading with the other parent can only get a person so far, and it may be the case that legal action to enforce or modify the parenting plan is necessary. Parents who can show a repeated pattern of disruption or interference with their parenting time or other issues that affect the well-being of the children may be able to petition the court for a modification of their child custody order.
Parents in a contentious custody dispute know that the question isn’t if, it’s when. Parents with an experienced Maryland family law attorney may be able to get quicker results when their relationship with their child is being threatened by the other parent.
Source: WomensLaw.org, “Maryland parental kidnapping information,” accessed Feb. 22, 2015