On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in child custody on Monday, May 23, 2016.
Sharing custody of a child is an ongoing responsibility parents all across Kansas City are faced with. It’s not just a one-time event; it’s something that moms and dads need to manage on an ongoing basis.
Because of this, changes will come up. Schedules change, unexpected delays happen and plans fall through. How you respond to these adjustments and inconveniences can have a major impact on your relationship with the other parent and child custody arrangements going forward.
In many cases, being a little flexible can go a long way in avoiding contentious fights and arguments that spiral out of control. If your ex is running late to pick up your child or has to change a pick-up location, you can acknowledge the situation, make the necessary adjustments and just move on. Erupting into a fight for a minor delay or change can be of little help.
If you find that you (or your ex) are repeatedly running into the same delays or challenges when it comes to custody exchanges or schedules, you can work out a plan that anticipates somewhat minor changes and notify each other accordingly. Repeatedly inconveniencing another parent — and your child — can make an already fragile situation even more stressful and heated.
If the changes become more significant or frequent, or if they start to jeopardize parenting time and/or the well-being of your child, more formal action will be necessary. In many cases, this can involve seeking a modification to your parenting plan or getting law enforcement agents involved.
Oftentimes, you can address and resolve changes that arise in regard to custody informally with communication and some flexibility. In the long run, this can be in everyone’s best interests. However, when and if the situation escalates and your rights or your child’s well-being are in jeopardy, talking to your attorney and taking swift action can be crucial.
