A co-parent withholding a child is not only a serious violation of an existing court order, but it also negatively impacts the child-parent relationship. If you are raising a child with a co-parent, they must follow the parenting plan. However, if you suspect they have started withholding your child, you may need to act.
But how can you tell if they are doing so?
Do they deny parenting time?
If you have been unable to spend time with your child because your co-parent has continually denied parenting time, they may be withholding your child. They may openly inform you that they are doing so to punish you, for instance, for not paying child support or for being late in returning the child. Or may take actions that sabotage your parenting time. For example, scheduling extracurricular activities when the child should be with you.
Do they keep important information from you?
Co-parents need to communicate effectively about child-related matters. If you are finding out about important things from third parties, chances are your co-parent is withholding your child. For instance, school events, achievements or medical issues.
They may limit communication between you and your child to ensure you don’t have access to information, and when you do, they may minimize the importance of the event.
Do they allow their new partner to interfere?
You should be alarmed when your co-parent, who is well aware of the parenting plan, allows their new partner to make decisions that interfere with it. For example, when they keep canceling visits because your child needs to spend time with the new partner or step-siblings.
If you believe your co-parent is withholding your child, it’s important to stay calm and document everything. Then, consider legal guidance to determine the next suitable steps to protect your child and parental rights.