If you are a custodial parent, you know how difficult it can be to coordinate your children’s schedules with the other parent so that parenting time schedules are kept. Inevitably, there will be last-minute conflicts, postponements and cancellations. However, if you have a touchy relationship with the other parent, this normal give-and-take can soon escalate to accusations that you are interfering with parenting time and attempting to alienate your children from your spouse. To defend against such allegations, there are preemptory steps you should take:
All things said, you must remember there are legitimate reasons to interfere with visitation, and Minnesota law provides affirmative defenses when you act for the safety and welfare of your child. If the other parent shows up for an exchange under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you should not allow the visit to happen. Make note of the incident. If your child complains about dangerous or inappropriate behavior by the other parent on a previous visit, do not allow another visit to happen until you contact your attorney for advice on how to proceed.
If you’d like further information about parenting time protocols, schedule a free consultation with our family law attorneys at Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A.