What if Your Child Does Not Want to Visit the Other Parent?

After a divorce, both parents will still have the right to at least visit with their children, except in some rare circumstances. Even if the child is not spending time living with each parent, there will be allotted visitation times for the noncustodial spouse. Your divorce agreement will include a custody order and visitation schedule that you must follow.

But what happens if your child refuses to see the other parent? Are you required to force your child to do so to fulfill the custody order?

Steps you should take

The simple answer is that parents must follow their custody orders. You are obligated to take a child in your care to visits as outlined in the agreement.

Of course, there may be some differences in how the situation is handled based on the age of a child. You may have a much harder time controlling a 17-year-old than a three-year-old, for example.

It may also actually be illegal for you to send your children to visits if you have any reason to believe they are being harmed or abused by the other parent. However, you must take steps beyond canceling parent visits if this is a legitimate concern. Namely, you should seek court intervention immediately.

It can help to make sure the child is aware of the visits far in advance and that there is a routine built around him or her. If the child knows that he is to go with dad every Saturday afternoon, for example, then he is not as likely to make as big of a fuss as he would if he were surprised with the visitation.

For tips on how to handle visitation so that it goes well for the parents and children alike, contact an experienced Long Island child custody attorney with Bryan L. Salamone & Associates.