As a parent, there is nothing more important than preserving and protecting your rightful time with your child. That does not change once your divorce is final. In fact, it may become even more important for you to find ways to protect your rights as a parent even after your custody and visitation order has become final.
One custody issue that many New Hampshire parents face is parenting time interference. These are blatant or subtle efforts from the other parent to undermine your rightful time with your child. You do not have to put up with any efforts to disrupt the custody arrangement. You can fight back and pursue a reasonable resolution to any continued custody or visitation concerns.
Identifying parenting time interference
You have certain rights as a parent, including the right to fight for your relationship with your child. The other parent cannot ignore the terms of the custody order or refuse to cooperate simply because he or she does not want to. You may be unsure if the behavior of the other parent counts as parenting time interference, but the following can help:
- Direct parenting time interference happens when the other parent physically prevents you from spending time with your child. This can include refusing to return the child to you or allow designated visitation days.
- Indirect parenting time interference includes any effort to disrupt the communication between a parent and his or her child. This includes asking the child to report back about the other parent, refusing to allow phone conversations and more.
Whether you believe you are experiencing indirect or direct parenting time interference, you do not have to put up with it. You have the right to take legal action and protect your role in the life of your child. Kids benefit when allowed to maintain strong relationships with both parents after divorce, and any type of parenting time interference is a threat to their best interests.
Solutions to this type of custody issue
If you are dealing with parenting time interference, you have the right to fight back. You can take action to make it stop and seek an appropriate remedy. Some of the ways a court could address this type of inappropriate behavior can include make up parenting time, repayment of legal fees, counseling and more.
Two parents do not have to get along to peacefully co-parent. You do not have to stand for any disruption to your parenting time or other efforts to negatively impact your role as an active and loving parent.
