What is parenting time interference?

When parents divorce or separate, there is usually some kind of parenting time schedule put in place. In cases when the parents have ended their relationship amicably and are able to communicate freely and in an emotionally healthy manner, the parenting time schedule may be informal. However, because situations can change in the future, most parents end up with some kind of court-ordered schedule that ensures everyone knows exactly who is supposed to have the child when.

Parenting time interference is really any time one parent acts in a way that makes it difficult or impossible for the other parent to exercise his or her visitation time. In some situations, this may be something as seemingly minor as refusing to let the other parent call and talk to the child or telling the other parent he or she can’t attend school functions or extracurricular activities.

However, in more serious cases, the interference may go so far as to refuse to present or return the child for scheduled parenting times. Relocating the child without letting the other parent know in advance as stipulated in the court order also falls under this type of direct parenting time interference. In many cases, the interfering parent may not understand the severity of his or her actions or how it can affect the child’s relationship with the other parent, but intentional or unintentional, parenting time interference is a very serious issue.

The family courts take these kinds of cases quite seriously, and if you are engaging in parenting time interference, it can have a significant effect on your case in the future. This is especially true if the other parent decides to contact a family law attorney and take legal action.