Noncustodial parents living in Kentucky or any other state are generally allowed to see their children. Courts grant visitation rights to noncustodial parents in an effort to nurture an important bond between the parent and child. However, custodial parents may worry about the health and safety of their children during these periods of visitation. In some cases, a custodial parent can refuse to let a son or daughter visit with the other parent.
This is generally acceptable in instances when a custodial parent suspects his or her child is being abused or neglected. It is also possible to deny visitation in cases involving a child who doesn’t want to see the other parent. However, failing to abide by a court-ordered visitation schedule could result in legal consequences. Therefore, parents should be sure that their children are in legitimate danger before violating a judge’s mandate.
Ideally, the parents will work together to resolve a custody issue. For instance, the noncustodial parent could agree to enforce an earlier bedtime or move to a safer part of town. If necessary, a parent can take his or her concerns to a judge. After hearing from both sides, a judge may alter a custody agreement or make future visitation contingent on the noncustodial parent making changes.
In a child custody case, it is generally in a parent’s best interest to make decisions based on the law as opposed to his or her feelings. If a parent wishes to defy a visitation order, it may be best to do so after consulting with an attorney. Legal counsel can talk more about a parent’s rights and the potential consequences of taking such an action. This may help a parent do what is in a child’s best interest.