Q: What can I do if my co parent does not follow court orders
I’ve had full custody my children’s whole life and he was granted 50/50 last March. Since then, he has refused to bring our children home on multiple occasions. He is court ordered not to come to my residence and he continues to do so, he is ordered not to make derogatory remarks about me in the presence of our children and he continues to do so. I’ve filed for contempt of court already and was immediately denied without going to court. On the denial notice the judge stated this is a “quasi- criminal “ offense and referred me to the family facilitator
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- California
- (916) 704-3009
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- Answered
A:
When a co-parent violates court orders, you have several options to address these serious violations. Document everything meticulously - keep a detailed log of each incident, including dates, times, and specific details of how the orders were violated. Save any relevant text messages, emails, or other communications that show the violations.
Working with the family facilitator, as directed by the judge, is your next crucial step. The facilitator can help you understand your rights and guide you through the proper procedures to address these violations. Since your contempt filing was denied, you might need to modify your approach or provide more substantial evidence to demonstrate the pattern of violations.
Consider requesting a modification of the custody order based on these ongoing violations, as this might be more effective than pursuing contempt charges. You may also want to explore getting a restraining order if he continues to come to your residence against court orders. Additionally, if you feel your children's wellbeing is at risk, you should report any serious incidents to local law enforcement, particularly when he refuses to return the children as scheduled. Remember to stay calm and professional in all interactions, as this will help strengthen your position when seeking legal remedies.
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