Question: Is it ever okay to refuse visitation? If so, under what circumstances may I refuse visitation?

What if the non-custodial parent refuses to exercise his or her visitation rights?

If a non-custodial parent does not adhere to a court ordered visitation schedule, a custodial parent has very few options. He/she can:

• Take the child's custodial parent back to court and request a revised visitation schedule

• Communicate with the child's custodial parent about the reasons for refusing to exercise his visitation rights

Keep in mind that you cannot take a child from the custodial parent's home without consent. A parent who removes a child from the custodial parent's home may risk legal consequences.

Can a child refuse visitation?

No one can force a child to visit with his/her parent. If a child refuses a visit with his/her parent's, a parent should do the following:

• Talk to the child about why she does not want to visit with her parent
• Assure the child that his parents love him
• Explain the concept of visitation to a child. Remember that visitation rights should serve the child's best interests.
• Allow the child a week or so off from visitation

What if I, as the custodial a parent, want to refuse to allow my ex exercise his/her visitation rights?

The custodial parent is held to a visitation schedule ordered by the court. A parent may refuse to allow an ex to exercise his visitation rights for the following reasons:

• Fear of imminent harm, as in suspected abuse or neglect of the child
• Child does not want to visit with the non-custodial parent

For more information about visitation rights and child custody, refer to additional resources or speak with a qualified attorney in your state.