What If Your Ex Refuses To Follow Your Fort Lauderdale Parenting Plan?
Parenting plans detail child custody arrangements in Florida. Once put in place by the court, both parents must follow it. Unfortunately, the reality of implementing these plans can get complicated.
Missed exchanges, last-minute cancellations, or flat-out refusal to follow the schedule can disrupt your child’s life and put unnecessary stress on everyone involved. Our Fort Lauderdale child custody attorney explains legal remedies that can help protect your child and parental rights.
Enforcing Fort Lauderdale Parenting Plans: How Florida Law Applies
Under Section 61.13 of the Florida Statutes, family court judges generally encourage parenting plans in cases of divorced or single parents. These details each party’s rights and responsibilities when it comes to their children. Parenting plans form the basis for Fort Lauderdale child custody orders and are legally enforceable.
If your ex is not complying, you can file a motion for enforcement. The Broward County Family Court can take several actions, including:
- Ordering makeup time-sharing for missed visits.
- Modifying the parenting plan to better serve the child’s needs.
- Requiring the non-compliant parent to pay court costs or attorney’s fees.
- In extreme cases, changing primary custody arrangements.
The court’s priority is always the child’s best interest, but they will also take repeated or willful violations seriously. Having documentation, such as text messages, emails, and missed-exchange logs, is crucial when filing your motion.
Contempt of Court and Co-Parenting Communication Tips
If your ex’s refusal to follow the parenting plan is deliberate and ongoing, the court may find them in contempt. This can result in heavy fines, mandatory parenting classes, or even jail time.
However, courts often encourage parents to at least attempt to resolve certain disputes before taking legal action. You can strengthen your case, and sometimes avoid litigation, by following these practical co-parenting tips:
- Keep communications with the other parent respectful and focused on the child’s needs.
- Use parenting apps or shared calendars to coordinate and document schedules.
- Avoid bringing issues up or arguing with the other parent when dropping off or picking up your child.
- Do not attempt to retaliate against them by not holding to your part of the parenting plan.
- Consider mediation if disputes keep escalating.
While these approaches can reduce tension, persistent violations require a firm legal response. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale child custody attorney can help you weigh the benefits of negotiation versus court enforcement.
For Trusted Help In Enforcing Broward County Parenting Plans, Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Child Custody Attorney
If you share custody in Fort Lauderdale and your ex refuses to follow the parenting plan, there are legal enforcement options available. The Law Office of Sandra Bonfiglio can help you gather evidence, file the appropriate motions, and protect your rights under Florida law.
We understand how parenting plan violations create real emotional and practical challenges and work to find the best resolution for you and your child. Call or contact our experienced Fort Lauderdale child custody attorney online today to schedule a confidential consultation.
Sources:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html
flcourts.gov/Resources-Services/Office-of-Family-Courts/Family-Court-in-Florida/Family-Law-Forms/Parenting-Plan-12.995-Forms-A-C
