Once a custody plan is established, there can still be problems with the operation of the custody plan. At times, these problems can involve differing parenting styles of the parties. Such issues include bed times, homework, diet, haircuts, telephone usage, transportation and involvement in activities, etc. In some cases, the parents need to come to accept that although their parenting styles are different, both may be acceptable, and the involvement of the court is not required. In some cases, mediation can be helpful to deal with the issues quickly and economically.
However, if the health, safety and welfare of the child are at stake, it may be necessary to return to the court setting. Such cases may include the attempts of one parent to alienate the other parent from the children or to constantly disrupt and interfere with visitation periods; or dealing with a parent who is using alcohol or drugs or suffering from a mental illness. In these types of circumstances a parent’s visitation rights can even be modified to place restrictions or supervision if the court finds that “visitation would endanger the children’s physical health or impair his emotional development.”
Making the decision to return to court, or not, when dealing with custody problems is a difficult decision and it’s important that you chose an experienced attorney like those at Paule, Camazine and Blumenthal to assist you.