Parents want to maintain a strong relationship with their children after a divorce, but sometimes, custody arrangements in Texas do not always work like they should. Negative feelings and disputes between parents can continue, even long after the process is final, and it can be difficult to resolve these matters in a way that is satisfactory to all parties.
If you believe that the behavior of your child’s other biological parent is impacting your rights and your role in the life of your child, you have options. You can fight back and protect your interests, seeking a legal resolution to any type of parenting time interference. You may be able to find a reasonable solution to your concerns and protect your role as an active and loving parent.
Examples of interference with parenting time
Parenting time interference comes in many forms. Some are blatant while others are subtle, and you may be unsure if what you are experiencing counts as interference or just a temporary dispute. There are two types of parenting time interference — direct and indirect. You may be dealing with indirect interference if you answer yes to the following questions:
- Does the other parent attempt to interrupt or cut short your communication with your child?
- Does the other parent keep you from attending your child’s extracurricular activities or important events?
- Do you suspect that the other parent is asking your child to report back with information about your personal and private life?
Indirect interference may be harder to recognize, but you may be dealing with direct parenting time interference if you answer yes to the following questions:
- Does the other parent refuse to allow you your rightful parenting time or visitation?
- Has the other parent taken your child, moved with your child or refused to return your child to you without your knowledge or permission?
Either type of parenting time interference is a direct threat to your rights and the important role you play in the life of your child. In some cases, it is appropriate to seek a legal remedy to these concerns.
Fighting for your role in your child’s life
Children thrive when allowed to maintain a strong relationship with both parents, even after a divorce or separation. Parenting time interference is a direct threat to your kid’s best interests, and you can fight back. Possible remedies a judge may order in response to interference include make-up parenting time, counseling and imposing fines on the responsible party.