When a co-parent refuses to follow a court-ordered parenting-time schedule, it can disrupt your child’s routine and create stress for everyone involved. It can also lead to conflict between parents and confusion about what happens next. In Ohio, you may be able to ask the court to enforce the order.
Document every denied visit
Keep a record of each missed visit. Write down the date, time, what happened and any explanation the other parent gave. Save texts, emails and voicemails. If possible, note whether you were on time, where you waited and whether you tried to resolve the issue calmly. These records can help show whether the problem is a one-time issue or a repeated pattern.
Ask the court to enforce the order
If your co-parent keeps blocking parenting time, you may be able to file a contempt or enforcement action. This asks the court to review what happened and decide whether the order was violated. The court can look at the facts, the existing order and the history between the parents.
If the court finds contempt, it may impose penalties allowed by Ohio law. The court may also order make-up parenting time if that would serve the child’s best interest. In some cases, the court may also look at whether one parent has repeatedly interfered with the schedule.
Follow the current order
Do not respond by withholding child support or ignoring other court orders. That can create more legal problems and may not solve the parenting-time issue. Continue following the existing order unless the court changes it.
Get help if the problem continues
If denied parenting time keeps happening, keep documenting each missed visit and ask the court about your enforcement options. You may also want to bring copies of the parenting-time order, your notes and any messages or emails that show the missed visits. An Ohio family-law attorney can review your order, your records and the next steps that may be available.