When Your Fort Lauderdale Teen Refuses To Follow The Parenting Plan

Parenting teenagers is challenging under the best of circumstances. Add a divorce to the mix, and you may find yourself dealing with a child who flatly refuses to cooperate.

It’s a common scenario in Broward County child custody cases and can put both parents in a difficult position. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale child custody attorney explains how to handle a stubborn teen when it comes to following parenting plans.

What Florida Law Says About a Teen’s Refusal to Follow a Parenting Plan

Under the Florida Statutes, the court must determine time-sharing based on the child’s best interests. While their preference may be a factor, the Broward County Court also considers other factors. Under Section 61.13 of the Florida Statutes, this includes each parent’s relationship with the child and whether they provide a safe, nurturing home environment.

It’s one thing for a teen to be unhappy about a parenting plan. Refusing to comply is a more serious matter:

• Parents are legally obligated to uphold the parenting plan and are responsible if the child doesn’t cooperate.
• The parent who benefits from the teen’s refusal faces the closest scrutiny.
• If the court suspects you encouraged your child not to follow the plan, it could jeopardize your parenting rights.
• Courts understand that physically compelling a 16 or 17-year-old to follow a schedule is impractical and may factor that into their decisions about enforcement.

If a teen is refusing contact because of abuse, neglect, or a genuinely unsafe environment, that is a separate and urgent legal matter that warrants taking immediate action.

Steps Fort Lauderdale Parents Can Take When a Teen Refuses Time-Sharing

The court has broad enforcement powers regarding parenting plans, including ordering parenting courses, make-up time, and requiring the non-compliant parent to pay the other parent’s attorney’s fees.

To protect yourself and your teen while avoiding potential legal problems, take these steps:

• Address your teen’s concerns calmly and directly before taking legal action.
• Identify the root cause of the refusal and whether it is conflict, scheduling, or other grievance.
• Document every instance of non-compliance in writing, including the date, what the teen said or did, and any communications with your co-parent about the situation.
• Consider whether family therapy or a parenting coordinator could help bridge the gap (Broward County courts appreciate parents who are willing to address conflict constructively).

To determine whether modifying your parenting plan is appropriate, get professional legal help right away. The goal is to protect both your relationship with your teen and your standing in court.

Contact Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Child Custody Attorney Today

When teens refuse to follow Broward County parenting plans, it can strain your relationship with them, create conflict with the other parent, and potentially jeopardize your rights in court. To protect yourself and effectively address the matter, get The Law Office of Sandra Bonfiglio, P.A. on your side.

Our experienced Fort Lauderdale child custody attorney provides trusted, professional legal representation to parents throughout Broward County. Call or contact us online today to schedule a consultation.

Sources:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html

browardclerk.org/Divisions/Family

flcourts.gov/Services/Family-Courts/domestic-relations-court-resources/family-law-forms/Parenting-Plan-12.995-Forms-A-C/Parenting-Plan