California custody orders typically include specific rules regarding an overall division of parenting time. Each parent has a certain amount of time with the children expressed as a percentage of overall parenting time or a number of annual overnight stays.
The parents then establish a schedule in their parenting plan that includes a specific time for each drop-off and pick-up of the children. On-time custody exchanges are important for everyone in the family. They minimize how much time the children have to wait for their parents. They also help ensure that the parents can obtain child care if necessary and balance their parental responsibilities with their social lives and careers.
What can one parent do if the other consistently shows up late to custody exchanges?
Document each violation in detail
Sometimes, parents can have uncomfortable discussions with each other that can improve the way they co-parent. For example, if one parent can show the other a list of 10 times they were significantly late for custody exchanges, that can motivate the other parent to be more aware of their time and planning.
People are sometimes receptive to feedback, especially if it potentially affects the comfort of their children. If the other parent doesn’t change their behavior when confronted with proof of a pattern of tardiness, then the documentation collected by the other parent can help them formally address the matter.
Ask for a custody modification
California family law judges generally prefer to see parents cooperate. However, they also understand how important consistency is for children and co-parenting relationships. Asking for a modification is a reasonable response to an unreliable co-parent who consistently fails to adhere to the schedule for custody exchanges.
If one parent frequently shows up late or otherwise infringes on the parenting time of the other adult in the family, a judge may decide that a custody modification is an appropriate response. They can reduce the parenting time of an adult who does not consistently comply with the terms already established for the family.
Following the right steps to address custody complications related to delayed exchanges can help a parent minimize the disruptions caused by the failings of their co-parent. The choice to modify a custody order can help make parenting arrangements more predictable for everyone in the family.