What Are The Consequences Of Breaching A Visitation Schedule?

Visitation schedules, also known as access or parenting time orders, are court-mandated arrangements allowing a non-custodial parent or guardian to spend time with the child. Breaching these schedules disrupts the child’s relationship with the non-custodial parent and can have legal repercussions to ensure compliance and protect the child’s best interests.

Consequences of Breaching a Visitation Schedule

Legal Consequences

Contempt of Court

The parent violating the visitation order may be held in contempt of court, which can result in fines, warnings, or even jail time in severe cases.

Modification of Custody or Visitation Orders

Repeated violations may prompt the court to modify the custody or visitation terms, potentially reducing the offending parent’s visitation rights.

Enforcement Petitions

The non-violating parent can file a petition to enforce visitation rights, seeking the court’s intervention for compliance.

Impact on Child Welfare

Emotional Distress

Denial or disruption of visitation can cause emotional harm to the child, affecting their relationship with the non-custodial parent.

Interference with Parental Bonding

Regular visitation helps maintain a strong bond; breaches weaken this connection.

Mediation and Counseling

Courts often recommend or mandate mediation or counseling to resolve visitation conflicts amicably.

Financial Penalties

Courts may impose fines or order compensation for expenses incurred due to visitation breaches.

Temporary Custody Changes

In extreme cases where visitation breaches indicate neglect or harm, courts may award temporary custody to the other parent or guardian.

Court’s Approach to Handling Breaches

• Investigation and fact-finding to verify claims of breach.
• Issuing warnings and directions for compliance.
• Encouraging alternative dispute resolution before punitive actions.
• Ensuring decisions prioritize the child’s best interests.

Consumer Safety Tips for Parents

• Always adhere strictly to court-ordered visitation schedules.
• Communicate promptly with the other parent regarding any unavoidable changes.
• Maintain records of visitation exchanges, including dates and times.
• Use mediation or legal counsel to resolve visitation disputes amicably.
• Avoid actions that could be perceived as punitive or obstructive.

Example

A mother denies the father his scheduled visitation rights multiple times without valid reasons. The father files a petition in family court citing contempt of court and requests enforcement of visitation.

Court’s Likely Action:

The court may issue a warning to the mother, order counseling sessions for both parents, and set a strict timeline for compliance. Continued breaches could lead to fines or modification of visitation rights favoring the father.