Is Your Child Refusing to Cooperate With Time-Sharing Arrangements? Legal And Emotional Considerations For Fort Lauderdale Parents
Child time-sharing arrangements in Fort Lauderdale are designed to help families maintain strong relationships after a separation or divorce, but what happens when your child refuses to cooperate?
This situation is heartbreaking for everyone involved. While it’s natural to want to honor your child’s wishes, ignoring court orders can have serious legal consequences. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer explains legal and emotional considerations.
Legal Considerations When a Child Refuses To Participate With A Fort Lauderdale Parenting Plan
When parents divorce in Fort Lauderdale, they are encouraged to negotiate arrangements that allow both to continue playing an active role in the child’s life. Section 61.13 of the Florida Statutes requires compliance with any court orders issued. Even if your child is unhappy with the arrangement, you are legally obligated to encourage and facilitate their participation.
Parents can face serious legal consequences, including contempt of court and loss of parenting rights, for failing to follow court orders. Factors a judge will consider when it is a child who refuses to cooperate:
- The child’s age and maturity: Courts give more weight to older children’s preferences, but they must still cooperate.
- Whether the parent is encouraging compliance: A parent who doesn’t make a good-faith effort may be seen as interfering.
- Whether there’s a valid reason: Allegations of abuse or neglect must be reported and addressed through the proper legal channels.
- Past compliance history: Repeated violations or resistance without proper action can hurt your standing in court.
- Efforts to resolve the issue: Courts look favorably on parents who seek counseling, mediation, or other means to restore cooperation.
Ignoring the problem or taking matters into your own hands can backfire. If your child refuses visits, you need a proactive, legally sound approach.
Supporting Your Child Emotionally While Complying With Fort Lauderdale Parenting Arrangements
Once a parenting plan is put in place by the Broward County Family Court, all parties must follow it. If your child refuses, it may be due to emotional stress, loyalty conflicts, anxiety, or fear of disappointing a parent.
To encourage and support them while protecting your own parental rights, follow these tips:
- Keep communication open: Let your child express their feelings without judgment or pressure.
- Avoid blame or guilt: Don’t speak negatively about the other parent, and don’t ask your child to take sides.
- Be consistent: Keep routines as stable as possible, and stick to the time-sharing plan, even if it’s difficult.
- Work with the other parent: When possible, present a united front and consider mediation, counseling, and other options.
Consult Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Child Time-Sharing Lawyer
At Vanessa L. Prieto Law Offices, we help divorced and single parents in Fort Lauderdale understand their rights and responsibilities regarding child time-sharing and parenting plans. If your child refuses to cooperate or other problems arise, get professional legal help.
Our experienced Fort Lauderdale time-sharing lawyer provides trusted guidance and takes legal action to protect you and your child. Call or contact us online today to schedule a consultation.
Sources:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html
flcourts.gov/Resources-Services/Office-of-Family-Courts/Family-Court-in-Florida/Family-Law-Forms/Parenting-Plan-12.995-Forms-A-C/Parenting-Plan
