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When Joint Custody Isn’t Joint: Denied Parenting Time and Custody Order Violations
When parenting time is denied and the custody order is not enforced, the non-custodial parent can lose months — or even years — of meaningful contact with their child.
Many parents believe that joint custody ensures equal parenting time and shared decision-making. Unfortunately, in reality, joint legal custody or joint physical custody on paper doesn’t always mean both parents will spend consistent time with their children.
One of the most common problems is custody order violations or parenting time denial — where one parent acts as a gatekeeper, controlling or blocking the other parent’s visitation despite a valid parenting plan or visitation order.
Real Story: Parenting Time Denied Despite Joint Custody
“I have joint custody. I’m supposed to have my kids every other weekend. But their mom hasn’t brought them over in 14 months. I went to court twice. Nothing changed.”
“I spent $40,000 over three years trying to get parenting time. The judge ruled in my favor — and still, nothing changed. My kids think I left them.”
This is a common situation for parents facing visitation order violations — the court order exists, but there is no effective enforcement when the other parent refuses to comply.
Why Custody Orders Are Often Not Enforced
Even when you have a valid parenting plan or visitation order, enforcement can be difficult because:
Judges are reluctant to act without repeated, documented violations and formal litigation
No automatic enforcement tools for denied parenting time
High legal costs make it hard for parents to return to court repeatedly
Court delays leave long gaps without contact between parent and child
Consequences of Denied Parenting Time
Denied parenting time can cause significant emotional harm to children. They may lose consistent contact with one parent and an entire side of their family, experience a weakened parent–child bond, develop trust issues, and face behavioral challenges. For the non-custodial parent, it often leads to frustration, financial strain from repeated legal battles, and diminished parental influence, with lasting damage to family relationships.
What to Do If the Other Parent Won’t Follow the Custody Order
If you are dealing with custody order violations or missed visitation, consider these steps:
Document every incident of denied parenting time
File a motion for contempt in family court
Request make-up parenting time
Seek mediation to resolve ongoing conflicts
Consult a family law attorney experienced in custody enforcementrdr
Take Action to Protect Parenting Time
You’re Not Alone — Let’s Make Parenting Time Count!
We know how painful it is when custody orders aren’t enforced. Every child deserves a strong relationship with both parents. Join our community to share your story, connect with others, and help us advocate for fair, consistent enforcement of parenting time.
➡ Get involved today — your voice matters! One voice can make a ripple — many voices can make a wave. Add yours to a growing movement of families and advocates working to protect children’s right to a relationship with both parents. For more information on how you can get involved contact us.
Key Legislative Updates
Without effective enforcement, joint custody can quickly become no custody for one parent. Increasing public awareness about the gaps in parenting time enforcement — and pushing for stronger legal measures — is essential to protecting the rights of both parents and the well-being of children.
Florida’s 2023 House Bill 775 – prevents fathers from being excluded after paternity is established, protects both parents from fragmented court processes by consolidating paternity, custody, visitation, and support into a single legal action, and encourages equal parenting involvement
Missouri Senate Bill 35 – promotes shared parenting by default, shifting the norm toward joint time arrangements, ensures early and fair temporary custody to support parent-child bonding, prioritizes the child’s voice in custody decisions, and balances child support enforcement with due-process and fairness, protecting parents from overly punitive license suspensions.
Join a Growing Movement for Families
Denied parenting time hurts children, weakens family connections, and leaves lasting scars. You can help change that! Join our community of parents, advocates, and supporters fighting for stronger custody enforcement and fair parenting time.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Denied Parenting Time
Expert Opinions
Molly Olson
Family Reunion Advisor
Mark Ludwig
Family Reunion Policy Director
Dianna Thompson
VP of Operations, Family Reunion
