Few things are more frustrating than having a court-ordered custody or visitation schedule—only to have the other parent ignore it. Whether it involves late exchanges, denied visitation, or repeated interference, violations of custody orders can create stress and instability for both parents and children.
If you are dealing with a custody order that is not being followed, you are not powerless. California courts take violations seriously.
At the Law Office of Stuart E. Bruers, based in Torrance and serving clients throughout Los Angeles County, Orange County, the South Bay, and the San Gabriel Valley, we help parents enforce their custody rights while keeping the focus where it belongs—on the best interest of the child.
Common Custody Violations
Custody order violations can take many forms, including:
-
Refusing to allow scheduled visitation
-
Frequently canceling parenting time without good cause
-
Failing to return the child on time
-
Interfering with communication between the child and the other parent
-
Making major decisions without consulting the other parent when joint legal custody exists
Sometimes violations are subtle and build over time. Other times they are blatant and repeated.
Document Everything
Before rushing back to court, it is important to document what is happening. Keep records of:
-
Missed exchanges
-
Text messages or emails
-
Attempts to resolve the issue
-
Dates and times of violations
Courts in Torrance, Long Beach, Pasadena, and throughout Los Angeles County rely heavily on documentation. Clear, organized records strengthen your position significantly.
What Are Your Legal Options?
If informal communication does not resolve the issue, several legal remedies may be available.
You may file a Request for Order asking the court to enforce the existing custody arrangement. In serious cases, a judge may:
-
Order makeup parenting time
-
Modify the custody schedule
-
Impose sanctions or attorney fees
-
Require parenting classes
-
In extreme cases, change primary custody
Repeated violations can damage a parent’s credibility. Judges expect both parties to comply with court orders, even when emotions run high.
Avoid Retaliation
It can be tempting to respond to violations by withholding visitation in return. However, retaliation often backfires. Courts generally do not approve of self-help remedies. If you deny visitation in response to the other parent’s misconduct, you may harm your own case.
The safer course is to seek enforcement through the court system.
When Modification May Be Appropriate
If violations are ongoing and severe, it may indicate that the current arrangement is no longer workable. In those situations, a modification of custody may be appropriate. To change an existing custody order, you must typically show a significant change in circumstances affecting the child’s welfare.
Why Experience Matters
Enforcement cases require careful strategy. Judges look closely at which parent is acting reasonably and which parent is escalating conflict. With more than 30 years of family law experience, attorney Stuart E. Bruers understands how local courts approach custody enforcement and works to protect his clients’ parental rights while minimizing unnecessary conflict.
Take the Next Step
If your ex is not following the custody order, contact the Law Office of Stuart E. Bruers today. We represent parents throughout Torrance, Redondo Beach, Long Beach, Beverly Hills, Pasadena, and surrounding Southern California communities, helping them enforce custody arrangements and protect meaningful relationships with their children.