Q: If my son refuses to go to his father's house for visitation, what are the ramifications, if any?
My exhusband and I have 3 children and have been divorced 9 years. Recently, my ex got remarried and moved back to our town and is taking more of his visitation time that he's allocated in our extended standard decree. Over the past couple of years, the relationship between him and my 13 year old son has been deteriorating. I put my son in counseling with his father's permission, but after 2 sessions, my ex refused to allow him to go to counseling. Over the past 3-4 months, their relationship has gotten worse, especially in the past 8 weeks. My son has tried talking to his dad about the issues and I have tried communicating with my ex to try to help the problem. The situation for my son is out of control emotionally. He's afraid of his father and doesn't trust him. My son has told me and now his father that he wants to take a break from visitation with him right now. His dad says he has no choice and has to go. I understand I can't make my child stay or go.
A: You are obligated to honor the court order to deliver your child to the other parent in accordance with the possession schedule. If you are concerned about your child's immediate safety, then call 911 right away. If your child is not in danger, then contact a local family law attorney who can review your order and all of the facts and let you know what your options are.
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