Getting a divorce can lead to various challenges if you have kids. Aside from child support, you could experience serious problems due to parenting plan violations. Whether your ex accuses you of violating your time-sharing schedule or you cannot spend time with your children in accordance with a court order, having a clear understanding of your obligations and rights is paramount.
Aside from the possibility of emotional damage due to denied parenting time, parents should realize that there are significant penalties for failing to abide by the terms of a time-sharing schedule.
Penalties for parenting-time violations
The Florida Senate covers parenting-time violations and the penalties that parents can face for violating a court order. For example, the court could award additional parenting time to the parent denied time, and parents found to have violated a parenting plan could have to pay legal fees and court costs. In addition, parents who violate these agreements sometimes have to complete parenting courses and perform community service.
In fact, failing to abide by the terms of a time-sharing schedule can even lead to contempt of court charges.
The impact of parenting-time violations
Parenting-time violations can have a devastating impact on a child’s relationship with their parent. These violations can also lead to anxiety, depression and stress. Some parents feel hopeless and powerless, and they believe that they do not have any options with respect to addressing parenting plan violations and holding the other party answerable. It is critical to explore your options if you have dealt with this firsthand, or if your child’s other parent falsely accuses you of wrongdoing.