The rights of parents are an important aspect of any divorce, and many parents find it difficult to maintain their boundaries properly after divorce or separation. It is natural for many parents to feel that a custody order or parenting plan is not fair, or robs them of valuable time with their child. However, respecting the boundaries of a custody agreement is one of the key ways that parents can make their child’s needs the focus of their attention.
Unfortunately, many parents behave in ways that are not ethical or legal when they feel hurt or have other conflicts in their lives. Sometimes, one parent or the other may act in ways that undermine the relationship of the child and the other parent. This is known as indirect parenting time interference, and it can have strong legal consequences.
If you suspect that you are the victim of indirect parenting time interference, it is wise to understand the legal tools that you have to protect yourself. A strong legal strategy can help you identify unacceptable behavior and build a strong plan to address the behavior and keep your rights secure.
What qualifies as indirect interference?
Not all bad behavior from one parent qualifies as indirect interference, so it is important to look closely in order to gather evidence to support your position. Examples of indirect interference include:
- Preventing a child from speaking to the other parent on the phone
- Preventing a child from communicating with the other parent using messaging devices, email or letters
- Refusing to give a child gifts from the other parent
- Asking the child to spy on the other parent during their time together
- Speaking negatively about the other parent while the child is present
These are not the only forms of indirect parenting interference, but they are some of the most common. If you experience this type of behavior from your child’s other parent, you may have grounds to petition the court for help enforcing your rights.
Begin protecting yourself today
The sooner that you begin building your legal strategy and gathering the legal tools you ned to protect your rights, the better. Parenting is always a difficult experience at some point or another, and divorce or separated parents often experience many more points of difficulty.
Be sure to begin protecting your own rights as quickly as you can, to keep yourself secure and to protect the relationship that you cherish with the child you love.