When a child resists and expresses a desire not to go on visitation with the non-custodial parent, it can be a challenging situation for everyone involved. In this article, we will explore some of the reasons why children may not want to go on visitation, how parents can address these concerns, and the legal implications of not following court-ordered visitation.
Reasons Children May Not Want to Go on Visitation
There are several reasons why a child may not want to go on visitation, including:
1. Fear and anxiety: Children may feel anxious about spending time away from their primary caregiver or may be fearful of spending time with the non-custodial parent.
2. Dislike of the location: If the non-custodial parent lives far away or in a location that the child does not enjoy visiting, the child may not want to go on visitation.
3. Conflicts with the non-custodial parent: If there has been a contentious relationship between the child and the non-custodial parent, the child may not want to spend time with them.
Addressing Children’s Concerns
It is essential for parents to address their child’s concerns when they express a desire not to go on visitation. Here are some steps parents can take to address their child’s concerns:
1. Listen to their concerns: Parents should take the time to listen to their child’s concerns and validate their emotions. This will help the child feel heard and understood.
2. Reassure the child: Parents should reassure their child that they will be safe and that both parents love them.
3. Work with the non-custodial parent: If conflict between the child and the non-custodial parent is the issue, the parents should work together to address these concerns and find ways to build a positive relationship.
Legal Implications of Not Following Court-Ordered Visitation
Parents who do not comply with a court-ordered visitation schedule may face legal consequences such as fines, jail time, or a modification of custody. However, parents should keep in mind that the court’s primary concern is the best interest of the child, and a child’s expressed desire not to visit with the non-custodial parent may be taken into consideration.
Conclusion
When a child expresses a desire not to go on visitation, parents should take the time to listen to their concerns, reassure them, and find ways to address the underlying issues. If necessary, it may be essential to seek legal advice to ensure that any legal obligations are met. Ultimately, the best interest of the child should be the priority for both parents.
There are many reasons why a child may not want to follow the visitation plans that have been set up by either the courts or the parents.
Divorce or a breakup is often confusing to children and they may act out against the fact that their parents are no longer together.
A parent should always keep in mind that they are the adult and unless there is good reason, the non-custodial parent has parental visitation rights to see the child.
The first thing that a parent should do is sit down and talk with their child about why they are not comfortable with the visitation schedule. It may be a simple reason, such as the particular schedule cuts into after school activities or time with friends, especially if the custodial parent
If the concerns about the visitation are minor, then they may be able to be fixed with some rearrangement. However, the parent must take control and remind the child that the non-custodial parent loves them and has the right to exercise their parental visitation rights.
If something minor like boredom is the problem, the parents should discuss ways to combat this. The non-custodial parent can plan fun activities for the child that he or she can do together. Parental visitation rights exist for a reason.
The visitation schedule set up is supposed to be made with the needs of all parties in mind and allow each parent to share in the loving and raising of their children. Even the word visitation is rarely used anymore. The more recent coinage is a parenting plan.
While a child’s feelings about the visitation should be considered, they do not have the final say in the matter. If the parent allows the child to skip the visitation it is they, not the child, who can be in trouble with the family court. If the complaints that the child has about the visitation schedule are valid, then the child and both parents may want to sit down to discuss the situation.
The child might be angry at the parent or generally displeased with the visitation schedule. Getting the issues out in the open is always a good idea. It will also show the non-custodial parent that the custodial parent is not planting bad thoughts about them in the child’s head and that the parental visitation rights of the non-custodial parent are respected.
Parent should watch their own behavior in terms of how they act about the visitation. If they do not respect the non-custodial parent’s visitation rights, then it is natural that the child will not either. Keeping one’s own feelings in check is important when making sure that a child maintains a strong relationship with the non-custodial parent.
