Interfering with parenting time

When it comes to legal issues involving family matters, parents and children may experience a whirlwind of emotions. To make things even more complicated, some families in this position are trying to adjust to life after a divorce. In Boston, and communities across Massachusetts, it is crucial for parents who have a child custody order or visitation schedule to understand their rights and avoid any behaviors that violate these agreements.

According to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, it is against the law for a parent to deny their child’s other parent his or her visitation rights or parenting time in accordance with the custody order. Custodial interference, a punishable offense, occurs when a child under the age of 18 is unlawfully kept from a relative who has rights to custody or visitation.

On their site, the 189th General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts addresses the penalties a parent may face for parenting time interference. For example, a parent who has interfered with the other parent’s visitation rights may have to reimburse the other parent for expenses that were incurred as a result of their behavior and the court could decide to make changes to their parenting plan.

Unfortunately, many parents have chosen to interfere with the rights of non-custodial parents, for any number of reasons. When a non-custodial parent believes that their rights have been violated, they should take steps to address the situation as soon as possible. After all, both parents have a responsibility to protect their child’s best interests and work towards a healthy outcome.

 

Categories

Related Posts

Powerful. Passionate. Experienced.

We have the experience and expertise to handle any legal issue you may have, and we're here to help you every step of the way.

How May We Help You?

Pay online today!