If you and your former spouse went through a difficult divorce, you may find that your custody battle did not end in court. In many contentious splits, these disputes play out through indirect parenting time interference. This type of interference makes seeing one’s children difficult, though not completely impossible. Yet, your former spouse’s actions may prove more nefarious, and they may keep you from seeing your children altogether. If they have, they are engaging in direct parenting time interference.
Signs of direct parenting time interference
Direct parenting time interference happens when one parent physically prevents their children from seeing the other. If your former spouse has done so, their behavior likely violates the custody agreement in your parenting plan. In some cases, it may also be illegal.
Your former spouse’s actions will qualify as direct parenting time interference if they:
- Cancel your scheduled custody or parenting time
- Refuse to return your children to you after their custody or parenting time
- Return your children late after their custody or parenting time
- Take your children from your care without permission
- Prevent you from seeing your children if you owe back child support
- Move to another state or country with your children without informing you
Consequences of direct parenting time interference
If your former spouse has engaged in direct parenting time interference, you can file a complaint to modify your parenting plan. Nebraska courts will likely frown on their violation of your plan, and will order its enforcement. Your former spouse may also face consequences for their interference, which could include contempt of court charges and the payment of your attorney’s fees. Your parenting plan’s custody agreement might change, too, due to their adverse actions.
Direct parenting time interference can harm families if it continues unchecked. By consulting a family law attorney, you can work to protect and preserve your relationship with your children.