The other parent may leave the state with the child

More child custody and parenting time situations

• We keep arguing at child exchanges Specific exchange arrangements can reduce conflict and protect children from adult disputes.
• We want to change the child’s surname Changing a child’s name is a separate legal issue; divorce or a parent’s name change does not automatically change it.
• A grandparent or nonparent wants visitation or custody Nonparents face requirements different from those governing disputes between legal parents.
• I need to present messages or a parenting log in court Reliable, complete records are more useful than a large collection of accusations.
• The existing schedule no longer works Ask about a formal modification when important circumstances change; do not assume a new routine silently replaces the order.
• The other parent is refusing my scheduled time Document the problem and use the enforcement process; avoid escalating the exchange.
• The other parent will not share school or medical information Check the order and the institution’s lawful access requirements.
• We live in different states; which court handles custody? Custody jurisdiction follows specialized rules; it is not simply whichever parent files first.

All child custody and parenting time articles · Browse all Know Your Rights topics