Q: Any advice I can get about my child’s father not wanting me to communicate when it comes down to coparenting?
I try to communicate with him strictly about our son, but he tells me not to contact him if it’s not an emergency. He recently was supposed to take our son for his 5th bday but didn’t want to respond to my text asking for confirmation that he’ll be at the airport on time due to me having tight time to make it on my return flight back home. I ended up not flying out there since he didn’t respond. He’s now calling me bitter and miserable because I didn’t come anyway. This is a normal thing for him to do when it comes down to communication. His response is “I’m not responding to your BS text messages before you send him to me, if I don’t respond then nothing changed”. He plays the “you’re keeping my child from me” game whenever he doesn’t get his way and whenever I do get him to his father, communication is non existent and I’m left in the dark not knowing what’s going on with our child. He’s physically lost him once before while in his care which is why communication is important to me.
A:
Under California law, effective communication between co-parents is vital, especially when it involves the welfare and safety of a child. If one parent is consistently unresponsive or obstructive, it may be necessary to revisit the terms of the custody and visitation arrangement.
In situations where communication issues impact the child's well-being or logistical arrangements, you have the option to seek mediation or legal intervention. This can help in establishing clearer guidelines for communication and responsibilities.
It's also important to document instances of non-communication or non-cooperation, particularly when it affects the child directly. This documentation can be crucial if the matter is brought before a court for review.
In severe cases, where a child's safety is a concern, as you mentioned an instance of the child being physically lost, it is advisable to seek immediate legal guidance. Courts prioritize the child's safety and welfare, and such incidents are taken seriously.
Remember, the court can always modify custody and visitation orders if it is in the best interest of the child. It is recommended to discuss your situation with a legal professional who can guide you on the best course of action based on the specifics of your case.
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