What Are My Options if My Ex Doesn’t Return My Child on Time?

Custody disputes and parenting issues during a separation or divorce can be intense and emotional. When your ex doesn’t return your child on time and fails to abide by the parenting agreement it can impact both you and your child negatively. Speak with a Montgomery County child custody violations lawyer for more information and representation.

What Should I Do if My Ex Doesn’t Return My Child on Time?

You may be feeling understandably frustrated if your ex is late dropping off your child. The first thing you should do is consider what time it is. If your ex was supposed to be there at 5 and it is 5:10 there is a good chance that they are simply stuck in traffic or behind schedule. However, the more time passes the more it impacts your and your child’s schedules.

Try getting in contact with your ex. Send them a text or call them to ask where they are and what time they will be dropping off your child.

Should I Call the Police?

It is natural to feel panicked if a significant amount of time has elapsed since the drop-off time and your ex and child are nowhere to be found. Calling the police is a drastic measure, but sometimes it may be necessary.

If you reasonably believe that your child may be in serious danger you should call the police immediately to explain the situation. However, getting law enforcement involved can cause various issues. It could impact the relationship between you and your ex or leave your child scared depending on the outcome of the situation.

Reach out to your ex first to inquire about the whereabouts of your child before resorting to 911. If your ex has a history of violence or substance abuse, has attempted to keep your child from you before, has been acting strange lately, or has shown any other signs of instability or anger then it may be logical to assume that your child could be in danger.

Can I Take Legal Action?

If your ex returning your child late is a common occurrence then you may decide to take legal action. The parenting agreement is a legally binding document, so any time your ex does not comply they are breaking the law and could be held in contempt of court.

Reach out to your family lawyer to discuss your legal options. You may decide to ask your ex to join you in mediation sessions to work out a plan that better fits each of your schedules. Mediation can be a great tool in negotiating a new agreement.

Your attorney can also help you petition the court for either a modification of the agreement or enforcement of your current agreement. After reviewing your agreement and details of all instances where your ex disregarded the parenting plan, the court may decide to modify the agreement or take action to enforce the current plan.

Reach out to a skilled family lawyer for more information.