How parents share custody can have a profound impact on the entire family. Children usually benefit from spending as much time as is reasonable with each parent. They need to have a healthy connection with both of their parents.
Recently, we discussed various types of custodial interference, where one parent prevents the other from having the full time they’re allowed to have with their child under the terms of their custody order
Unfortunately, sometimes adults who share custody of children are not consistent about showing up for their children. They may cancel or regularly shorten their parenting sessions. The other parents affected by those regular cancelations may need to go back to court to ask for a modification that reflects the true division of parenting time.
Why modifications are important
Some people might convince themselves that modifying a custody order due to regular cancelations is petty or spiteful. However, the failure to follow the custody order causes multiple forms of harm.
The children may feel disappointed and even rejected when one parent cancels. The other parent, meanwhile, cannot depend on the other parent taking responsibility for the children. They may encourage child care expenses or face career and social setbacks because of canceled parenting time.
Traditionally, a custody order that does not accurately reflect the division of parenting time can deprive one parent of the child support they deserve. The amount of overnight time each parent has with the children influences financial responsibility for the children.
Documenting canceled sessions, being flexible about makeup parenting time and pursuing a modification to correct a custody order are all appropriate reactions to canceled parenting sessions. Updating the custody order may be beneficial — especially when canceling becomes a pattern. Those facing child custody complications may need help navigating the legal system and ensuring their custody order accurately reflects their family circumstances.