Co-parenting has its challenges, but when both parents want to remain in a vital role in a child’s life, this means taking the time to establish a child custody order. When a custody order is in place, both parents are required to abide by it. Failure to do so could have repercussions. Take, for example, the current climate discussed in El Paso. Based on current reports, fathers across Texas are asserting that they are being denied their right to see their children.
Even in matters when a mother is refusing to let the father see the child, taking action to report violations has not proven to be effective. Based on reports, even when action is taken to report interference with child custody, filing a report is likely to not go anywhere. It was found that from 2016 to 2018, more than 4,000 reports were filed in El Paso. However, only 229 cases were presented to the district attorney. And, of those, only 11 were indictments. This amounts to only 5 percent of these cases being enforced.
These numbers have caused lawmakers to take action. When a parent is afforded visitation with a child, that parent has the right to enforce these rights. When a custodial parent interferes with the parental rights of a non-custodial parent, that parent has the ability to take action.
Going through a divorce is not only hard on parents, but it is also difficult on the children involved. In order to sort through these issues as best as possible, it is imperative to consider the best interests of the children and how best to accomplish your goals. Understanding your legal rights and options can help you accomplish this.