The largest issue when a couple goes through a divorce is most often the children. Parents will often argue they are the more suited ones to raise their child or children. Often, South Carolina custody issues are hashed out through the court system. You will need legal representation.
But it doesn’t always stop there. Whatever the ruling, some parents will find their ex interfering with parenting time. If you find your ex manipulating your visitation schedule, it is time to call upon experienced and empathetic family law attorneys such as those at Greenville Family Law. Every parent has rights, and it is up to you to ensure your rights along with those of your children are met.
Child Custody Rights After Divorce
When parents cannot agree on what is right for their children, the court will find a custody decision based on the best interests of the children. The ruling could be that of joint custody or sole custody for one parent with visitation rights for the other. It is up to the parents to see that the ruling is met.
Each parent takes part in the decision-making process and the responsibilities of caring for their child when joint custody is awarded. This does not necessarily mean that the child divides their time equally, 50/50, with each parent, but that the decisions for the welfare of their child rest with both parents. If the parents cannot agree upon a schedule of time for each to spend with their child, the court will do it for them.
In the case of sole custody, one parent is awarded the right to make all final decisions for the care of their child, although the other parent will still receive visitation rights unless the court feels there may be a danger to the child. Whether you have joint custody, or your former spouse has sole custody, you should set up your visitation rights under the guidelines the court has provided. If your ex begins manipulating the visitation schedule it could be found illegal.
Is Interfering with Parenting Time Illegal?
An ex-spouse interfering with parenting time in South Carolina is a violation of a court order. As such, it is illegal, and the interfering parent may be found in contempt of court. It is up to you, who is being denied your rights, to seek help in enforcement of the court order. You need an expert lawyer, such as one from the team of Greenville Family Law, for prompt help in protecting your rights before they get even further out of hand.
What to Do if an Ex Keeps Interfering
It is human nature that once someone gets away with something that is improper, they will likely do it again if it pleases them. Should your ex get away with preventing you time with your children, he or she will likely continue to operate similarly in the future. All too often children pay the price of being a pawn in a game of battle between their parents.
Should your ex manipulate the visitation schedule once and you accept it, it will likely happen again. It is up to you to prevent it from happening from the onset. If you see your ex interfering with your parenting time, you need to get it stopped quickly.
Child Custody Lawyers in Greenville, SC
Child custody is often a complicated situation for parents to understand and follow. To help you understand your rights, as well as your former partner and your children, Greenville Family Law is ready to help.
Don’t try to deal with your ex alone, if your ex is interfering with your parenting time, contact our compassionate team to represent you in what can be a very difficult and challenging time for you and your children.
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