Anyone else dealing with contempt issues in custody cases?

So basically, my partner’s ex keeps messing with the visitation schedule for their daughter. Last year, she took their daughter on vacation during our scheduled time, and now she’s misinterpreting the ‘three-day weekend’ rule to limit his time. It’s been tough on their daughter too. She’s heartbroken whenever her time with dad gets cut short. We’re thinking of filing for contempt. Has anyone else dealt with something like this? Can we ask the court to remove this ‘three-day weekend’ rule? Also, is it possible to request a child custody evaluation to figure out why their daughter is so upset and ask that his ex pays for it?

We’ve been in a similar situation. Honestly, proving contempt is really hard, and you might be better off asking for a change in the parenting plan instead of going straight to contempt.

Zhen said:
We’ve been in a similar situation. Honestly, proving contempt is really hard, and you might be better off asking for a change in the parenting plan instead of going straight to contempt.

Thanks, do you think we should skip contempt altogether? My partner’s worried the court won’t take it seriously unless we file.

@Journey
I’d say go for a petition to change the plan first. Proving contempt is tricky and might not get you the outcome you want. Maybe ask the judge for clarification on the schedule instead.

I feel for you guys. Sounds super frustrating. I think you can ask for a custody evaluation, but it might be hard to get her to pay for it. Judges are careful with those requests.

Bailey said:
I feel for you guys. Sounds super frustrating. I think you can ask for a custody evaluation, but it might be hard to get her to pay for it. Judges are careful with those requests.

Yeah, I figured that would be tough. Do you think asking for a custody evaluation is overkill right now?

@Journey
Honestly, I wouldn’t go that route yet. Try to get the three-day weekend thing sorted first and see if that helps. Custody evaluations can be intense and expensive.

Man, that’s rough. I’d make sure you have everything documented—texts, emails, even a log of when this stuff happens. Courts love evidence. Also, do you guys have legal aid or is it all DIY?

Blue said:
Man, that’s rough. I’d make sure you have everything documented—texts, emails, even a log of when this stuff happens. Courts love evidence. Also, do you guys have legal aid or is it all DIY?

We’ve been trying to do it ourselves for the most part. Lawyers are pricey, but we’ve kept every text and email. Do you think it’s enough?

@Journey
Good that you’re documenting! If you can’t afford a lawyer, legal aid might be an option. Even having a lawyer review your docs could help.

Tbh, I don’t think the crying is abnormal. Kids hate transitions, especially between homes. Have you talked to a child therapist? They could help with the anxiety.

Marlow said:
Tbh, I don’t think the crying is abnormal. Kids hate transitions, especially between homes. Have you talked to a child therapist? They could help with the anxiety.

Good point. We haven’t looked into a therapist yet. Do you think it’ll help even if the issue is mostly with the schedule?

@Journey
Definitely worth trying! A therapist could help your stepdaughter understand and cope with the changes, even if it’s just about the schedule.

I’m no lawyer, but it sounds like the ex is purposely making things difficult. Have you thought about asking the court to be more specific with the visitation terms? It might stop her from twisting the rules.

@Rowan
Exactly what we’re thinking! We’re hoping the court will remove the three-day weekend rule or at least clarify it better.

Journey said:
@Rowan
Exactly what we’re thinking! We’re hoping the court will remove the three-day weekend rule or at least clarify it better.

Yeah, sounds like clarifying the schedule would make a big difference. Hope it works out for you guys!