A Look at More Common Ways a Custodial Parent Interferes with Parenting Time in New Jersey

Issues involving children tend to be both the most commonplace and contentious when it comes to divorces and life after divorce. One of these situations involves a custodial parent who interferes with parenting time in New Jersey. With this in mind, there are some more frequently occurring ways in which custodial parents interfere with parenting time in New Jersey:

• Not following parenting time schedule
• Cancelling parenting time at the last minutes
• Consistently arriving late for parenting time exchanges
• Making important decisions about the child without consulting with the noncustodial parent
• Disparaging the other parent in front of the child
• Limiting communication between the child and the noncustodial parent
• Withholding important information about the child's health, school, or activities from the noncustodial parent
• Involving the child in parental conflict
• Alienating the child from the other parent

Not Following Parenting Time Schedule

One in which a custodial parent interferes with parenting time in New Jersey occurs when that individual refuses or fails to follow the parenting time schedule. This can include not bringing the child to the agreed location at the specified times, not returning the child on time, or not respecting the visitation duration. This can create confusion and instability, disrupting the child's routine and the other parent's plans. It oftentimes also proves to be a way in which the custodial parent attempts to manipulate the noncustodial parent or the children.

Canceling Parenting Time at the Last Minute

The custodial parent might regularly cancel the scheduled parenting times at the last minute without a justifiable reason. These last-minute cancellations can create a sense of instability and unpredictability, impacting the child's emotional well-being and the other parent's schedule. This can also prove to be a means through which the custodial parent attempts to manipulate the other parent or the children.

Consistently Arriving Late for Parenting Time Exchanges

The custodial parent may have a habit of consistently arriving late for the scheduled child exchange times. This can disrupt the other parent's plans, delay the child's activities, and eat into the non-custodial parent's time with the child. Occasionally being late for an exchange can happen. However, when this becomes a recurring issue, it can be deemed to be an intentional act to interfere with parenting time in New Jersey.

Making Important Decisions About the Child Without Consulting the Other Parent

This happens when the custodial parent makes significant decisions concerning the child's life, such as those related to their education, health, or religious upbringing, without involving or informing the other parent. This undermines the other parent's role and rights in making essential decisions for their child.

Disparaging the Other Parent in Front of the Child

The custodial parent might speak negatively about the other parent in the child's presence. This type of conduct can be part of a larger effort to interfere with parenting time. This can potentially damage the child's perception and relationship with the other parent, leading to strained relations and emotional distress for the child.

Limiting Communication Between the Child and the Noncustodial Parent

The custodial parent might prevent or limit the child's communication with the other parent. This can be done by restricting phone calls, messages, or video chats, thereby undermining the relationship between the child and the other parent. This type of conduct has a variety of implications, including negatively impacting the noncustodial parent’s parenting time.

Withholding Important Information About the Child's Health, School, or Activities from the Noncustodial Parent

The custodial parent might not share crucial details about the child's medical conditions, academic performance, or involvement in extracurricular activities. This keeps the other parent out of the loop in significant aspects of their child's life. Taking the course can interfere with parenting time.

Involving the Child in Parental Conflict

The custodial parent might involve the child in their disputes or disagreements with the other parent. This puts the child in an uncomfortable and stressful situation, forcing them to take sides or feel caught in the middle of their parents' issues.

Alienating the Child from the Other Parent

Another way in which a custodial parent can interfere with parenting time is by engaging in what is known as parental alienation. This involves the custodial parent manipulating the child's perceptions and feelings to create distance and hostility toward the other parent. This can severely damage the child's relationship and bond with the other parent, causing emotional distress and potential long-term psychological harm. If you have any questions concerning child custody and parenting time call (201) 845-7400 for a free consultation.

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