Parenting Plan Violations In Fort Lauderdale: When Your Ex Blocks You From Texting Or Calling Your Child

Texting and talking on the phone is a primary way for Fort Lauderdale parents to stay engaged in their child’s life. One of the most frustrating experiences for separated or divorced parents is when an ex interferes with communication.

If a Florida parenting plan says you can telephone, text, or video chat with your child on certain days, but your ex blocks or ignores those requests, it doesn’t just hurt you. It can have significant impacts on relationships with your child and their sense of stability. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer explains how to handle this common scenario.

Why Communication Matters When Creating A Broward County Parenting Plan

Florida law protects the best interests of children in cases of divorced or single parents. Under Section 61.13 of the Florida Statutes, both parties have the right to maintain frequent and continuing contact with their child, unless there is a safety concern.

Parenting plans are put in place through the Broward County Family Court and often include schedules for not just in-person visits, but also phone and video communication. When one parent refuses to allow those conversations, it can:

• Damage the parent-child relationship;
• Create unnecessary stress and conflict for the child;
• Undermine the court-approved parenting plan;
• Cause major disputes that impact the ability to co-parent effectively.

Steps To Take if Your Ex Ignores Your Fort Lauderdale Parenting Plan and Blocks Communication

Florida parenting plans form the basis for a final child time-sharing order. Failing to follow the terms of the order by blocking communications between a parent and child could result in penalties that include loss of parental rights and contempt of court charges.

If your ex consistently prevents you from talking to your child, you don’t have to just accept it. Here’s what you can do to protect your rights and your relationship with your child:

• Keep records of any calls, texts, or video chats that were attempted with your child, including dates, times, and any important topics you were prevented from discussing.
• Attempt to reason with your ex and remind them of the parenting plan provisions via email or text.
• Stay calm in your interactions and focus on what’s best for your child.
• Seek mediation in an attempt to resolve the issue outside of court.
• If the problem continues, your lawyer can file a motion for enforcement, asking the court to force the other parent to follow the parenting plan and impose penalties for violations.

Schedule A Consultation With Our Fort Lauderdale Parenting Plan Lawyer Today

You should not have to fight for every phone call or video chat with your child. If your ex refuses to follow your parenting plan, you have the right to take action.

At Vanessa L. Prieto Law Offices, we help parents in Fort Lauderdale enforce parenting plans and protect their relationships with their children. If you’re dealing with communication barriers or other violations, 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

browardclerk.org/Divisions/Family

flcourts.gov/Resources-Services/Office-of-Family-Courts/History-of-Family-Courts-in-Florida/Family-Law-Forms/Parenting-Plan-12.995-Forms-A-C