What if I Can’t Take Custody of My Child Due to an Emergency?

Even the most organized parenting plans aren’t always reliable. There is no way to predict what might happen in life, and sometimes parents cannot meet the obligations outlined by their custody plans. What happens if you can’t take custody of your child due to some kind of unforeseen emergency? What happens next? Will you experience any legal consequences? Could a child parenting time lawyer in Orlando help you?

Communicate With Your Ex

The most important priority in this situation is effective communication with your ex. If you cannot pick up your child from school or another exchange point, let the other parent know immediately. The sooner you tell them, the better. Most parents will be fairly understanding, especially if you’re dealing with a legitimate emergency. This might be a health issue, a family commitment of some kind, or perhaps some kind of debacle at work.

The importance of effective communication underlines the benefits of amicability and cordial relations between parents after divorce. Too often, parents take a very combative stance during divorce and subsequent custody proceedings. This often leads to a feeling of bitterness and resentment that can make these emergencies difficult to handle.

For example, your ex might not want to pick up the phone when you call them about an emergency. Perhaps they would rather not hear your voice due to these lasting feelings of bitterness. Parents who commit to a more professional relationship can potentially deal with these emergencies much better. This also highlights the potential benefits of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), such as mediation or collaborative divorce.

Refer to the Custody Agreement

Your custody agreement may include instructions on what to do in emergencies. For example, the custody agreement might state that in the case of an emergency, the affected parent should contact the child’s grandparents. You can create whatever safeguards you think are necessary via your custody agreement. These flexible, personalized agreements can be created by parents through ADR methods like mediation or collaborative divorce.

If you have not yet created these emergency instructions, you might want to do so alongside your ex. You can make these additions during your initial divorce, or you could go back and modify the agreement many years after the divorce becomes final. Speak with an experienced child custody attorney in Florida to learn more about these possibilities.

Emergencies Can Endanger the Children

You should know that emergencies of this nature could endanger the children. If there is no one available to pick up the child after school, for example, the child could attempt to walk home alone before becoming lost.

Can a Child Parenting Time Lawyer in Orlando Help Me?

A child parenting time lawyer in Orlando may be able to help if you’re not how to proceed after some kind of emergency. Their legal advice could be helpful, especially if you’re not sure about your obligations as a parent. Speak with Steve Marsee, P.A. today to learn more about the potential next steps.

Source: 

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html