Teenagers have a deep need to separate themselves from their parents. Sometimes, that may be more literal than others. Teens often try to spend time with their friends instead of their families on special days. In some cases, they might even refuse to interact with one parent if they don’t have the best relationship.
When parents share custody, teenagers may not cooperate with the established parenting schedule. They may put up a fight, refuse to come home for the custody exchange or simply lock the door to their room. Parents dealing with a teenager who does not respect the terms outlined in a custody order often have questions about what happens next.
Can older children simply choose to ignore the terms imposed in a custody order?
Parents must uphold the custody order
Children are still minors until they turn 18 or the courts emancipate them. Until that point, they are subject to the custody order. They are also subject to their parents’ decision-making authority. As difficult as it may be, the parent not facing direct pushback from their child is usually the one who must enforce the custody order. Otherwise, the parent denied access could blame them for the child’s behavior.
They could potentially go to court seeking a custody modification because of the refused parenting time. They could also seek to enforce the effort by compelling the other parent to cooperate with them. Taking legal action is often necessary, as the courts can sometimes terminate the parental rights of one adult who has not made use of their visitation or shared custody rights for an extended amount of time.
Imposing penalties, having a heart-to-heart conversation or even developing a reunification plan can all help overcome a teen’s reticence about spending time with one parent. Parents have to uphold the order or risk facing consequences imposed by the courts.
Teens don’t control custody terms
Many parents ignore parenting schedule violations by teenagers. However, a strong-willed teenager is not an excuse for failing to uphold the custody order. Teenagers frequently test boundaries, and the more they get away with, the more misbehavior may occur. Teenagers can express their preferences during custody litigation or negotiations. Their wishes are only one of several details that influence the final custody order.
Parents struggling to see their teenagers may need help navigating a complicated child custody situation, and that’s okay. Requesting custody enforcement can be a viable option if the other parent is not supportive when addressing the teen’s non-compliance.