Enforcing a Fort Lauderdale Parenting Plan When the Other Parent Refuses to Cooperate

When Fort Lauderdale parents divorce or separate, Florida parenting plans protect their rights and their child’s best interests. What happens if your ex refuses to follow the parenting plan? If they are late for pick-ups, fail to show up for visits, or cause other disruptions, legal enforcement may be an option.

Our Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer provides comprehensive support and the trusted legal guidance clients need in these cases. Find out what to do if the other parent refuses to cooperate with a court-ordered parenting plan and what enforcement efforts are available.

When and How to Request Enforcement of Parenting Plans in Fort Lauderdale

Parenting plans determine the rights and responsibilities of divorced or single parents. Parents are encouraged to work together to create a parenting plan, which forms the basis for a Broward County child-time-sharing order.

Following the parenting plan is not optional. It’s a legal requirement. Under the Florida Statutes, you can file a motion for enforcement if one parent consistently violates the plan. Courts take these violations seriously, especially when they jeopardize the child’s safety and stability.

Filing for formal enforcement of a Fort Lauderdale parenting plan may be an option if:

• The other parent denies scheduled time-sharing or access.
• They make major decisions on behalf of the child without your consent or approval.
• They fail to communicate about the child’s school, medical, or travel plans.
• They use the child to relay messages or try to create conflict in your relationship with them.

When the other parent engages in this type of behavior or otherwise fails to follow a Fort Lauderdale parent plan, judges can modify it and impose sanctions to protect your rights and your child’s best interests.

How Broward County Courts Handle Noncompliance with Fort Lauderdale Parenting Plans

Each case is unique, but judges in Broward County have several tools to address parenting plan violations. Common ways the court handles non-compliance include:

• Ordering compensatory visitation for missed parenting time.
• Requiring the parent to attend family therapy or counseling.
• Suspending or modifying their time-sharing privileges.
• Imposing fines or filing criminal charges for contempt of court, which carries the possibility of a jail sentence.

The court’s goal is not to punish but to encourage cooperation and protect the child’s well-being. If your ex refuses to follow your Fort Lauderdale parenting plan, gather evidence, such as texts, emails, and records of missed visits, to support your request for enforcement efforts.

To Discuss Your Options, Request a Consultation with our Fort Lauderdale Parenting Plan Lawyer Today

Parenting plans in Fort Lauderdale play a major role in protecting your rights and your child’s best interests. If the other parent refuses to follow your parenting plan, contact Vanessa L. Prieto Law Offices.

We represent parents throughout Broward County and can guide you through filing for enforcement, gathering evidence, and presenting your case effectively. To discuss your options, give us a call or contact us online. Request a consultation today to speak with our experienced Fort Lauderdale parenting plan lawyer.

Sources:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html

flcourts.gov/content/download/686031/file_pdf/995a.pdf