Ex Violating Custody Agreement? Your Three Options

Your emotional turmoil during a divorce may be understandable, but the court regards this as inexcusable for neglecting your support obligations. You must honor all divorce agreements reached with your spouse.

Custody arrangements are deemed essential by the court and any violation of these terms can result in losing custody or visitation rights. If your ex-spouse continues to violate the agreement, there are measures available to you in the interest of ensuring your children's safety and well-being.

Discuss It with Your Ex

While it is tempting to immediately revert to a court action, it is highly recommended that you first discuss the issue with your ex. Doing so can save a lot of time and money. There may be valid reasons that he or she can’t stick with your agreed schedule or other conditions of the  agreement.

Request Mediation

If your ex persists in violating the agreement after your joint discussion, you can request a mediator before filing for a court order. A mediator can help make sure your ex-spouse sticks to the schedule by reviewing his or her compliance on a weekly basis.

Seek the Court

When these two options fail, you can file for contempt in court. First of all, though, you must prepare written documentation of the repeated violations. If the court finds that the ex-spouse is in contempt, the judge may make necessary changes in the agreement. In some cases, your ex may even lose his or her visitation and custody rights.

A family law attorney in Virginia Beach can elaborate on these options and be of great help if the case reaches court.