What Can Happen If a Parent Denies Parenting Time?

Parenting time plays a critical role in a child’s emotional and psychological well-being, allowing a healthy bond with both parents to continue to be fostered after divorce. However, when one parent denies the other their agreed-upon parenting time, it can lead to serious legal, emotional, and familial consequences. 

Possible Outcomes of Denying Parenting Time

1. Legal Consequences, such as contempt of court.
2. Financial Consequences, including fines. 
3. Impact on Child Custody, which might harm the parent’s future parenting arrangements. 

Recognizing these potential consequences underscores the significance of duly honoring parenting agreements.

Legal Consequences of Denying Parenting Time 

Violating a parenting time agreement is considered a breach of a court order, which courts view as a serious matter. Such actions not only disrupt the agreed-upon custody arrangements but can also negatively impact the child’s well-being and stability. When a parenting time agreement is violated, the court may impose legal repercussions, which can include:

• Contempt of Court: A court may hold the violating parent in contempt, which can result in fines, jail time, or both. 
• Make-Up Parenting Time: Courts often award the other parent additional make-up parenting time to compensate for missed visits. 
• Liability for Attorney’s Fees: The violating parent may be required to cover the legal costs of the other parent for addressing the violation. 

Parents must adhere strictly to the determined parenting time orders. Acting outside the legal framework can escalate tensions and result in unnecessary penalties. 

Impact on Child Custody

Denying parenting time can have significant long-term consequences on future custody arrangements. In Michigan, courts prioritize the “best interests of the child” when making custody decisions. Consistently violating parenting time agreements disrupts the child’s relationship with the other parent. Such behavior can damage trust and create a less favorable legal standing for the violating party.

Possible outcomes include:

• Loss of Custody Rights: Repeated violations may lead to modified custody agreements, potentially reducing or eliminating the violating parent’s time with the child. 
• Negative Perception by the Court: Courts prefer cooperative parenting, and obstructing the other parent’s relationship with the child can negatively influence the court’s view. 

If you face custody disputes, it is better to comply with agreements and avoid actions that may work against you in future legal proceedings. 

Protect Parenting Time and Your Rights

Working within parenting time agreements is crucial for both the well-being of your child and the stability of your custody arrangement. These agreements are designed to prioritize the needs of the child, providing consistency and a sense of security during what can often be a challenging time. Violations of these agreements can lead to serious legal consequences, such as contempt of court, fines, or even modifications to the custody arrangement, which could jeopardize future parent-child relationships.

If you are struggling with denied parenting time, concerns about violations, or the potential impact on your custody case, seeking legal advice is your next right step. At Robbins & Licavoli, PLLC, our experienced team understands how emotional and complex these situations can be. We are here to provide the legal guidance and support you need to protect your rights as a parent while ensuring the best possible outcome for your child. Contact us today to discuss your situation and take the first step toward resolving your concerns.