Addressing parenting time interference with an ex

After a divorce or separation, the time that a parent is able to spend with their child is especially precious. When two parents share their child in a joint custody arrangement, it can be hard to say good-bye and hand over a beloved son or daughter at the end of one’s allotted custody time. For some Colorado parents, saying good-bye can be made even more difficult if they face parenting time interference from their co-parent.

Parenting time interference is a broad term that covers a range of negative behaviors practiced by a co-parent. At its core, parenting time interference happens when one parent seeks to disrupt the relationship between their child and the child’s other parent, either overtly or covertly. It can erode familial bonds and can change the dynamics of parent-child interactions if it is allowed to infest custodial plans.

For some, parenting time interference takes on an obvious form of disruption. A co-parent may refuse to drop off a child on time or at the arranged location for the other to begin their custodial or visitation time. It may occur when a co-parent believes their co-parent is not paying enough in support or if the paying parent falls behind on their child support obligation.

For others, parenting time interference happens in a more surreptitious way. A co-parent may fail to inform the other of activities or performances the child will participate in. It may involve denying the child opportunities to communicate with their co-parent when in their custody.

However it manifests, parenting time interference is damaging and hurts children and their parents. When it occurs, parents can sometimes work out their differences with the help of their child custody attorneys. This post does not offer any legal advice or suggestions for legal actions.