The allocation of parenting time can become a source of conflict between divorced or separated parents. Frequently, they may disagree about the best way to share time with their children.
Some parents allow their negative feelings to affect their behavior. They may interfere with the other parent’s allocated parenting time. A parent might do that by claiming the children are sick or by constantly scheduling appointments during the other parent’s time.
When does a frustrated parent have a right to request make-up parenting time for lost hours or days with their children?
Rights depend on who canceled
Parents should uphold the parenting time schedule to the best of their abilities and work cooperatively when changes might impact one parent’s time with the children. In cases where one parent has to cancel their parenting time due to work demands or illness, they largely depend on the goodwill of their co-parents to obtain make-up time with the children.
However, if one parent cancels the time of the other, then the parent denied time with the children should have the option of scheduling a comparable amount of parenting time. In cases where one parent repeatedly does not allow the other to reschedule after canceling their time, the matter may require court intervention and enforcement.
The courts can award make-up parenting time in cases where one parent has failed to uphold the custody order. Judges may even decide to modify custody orders if they believe one parent has not acted in the best interest of the children.
Keeping records of parenting sessions and communications can help parents assert their rights during a custody conflict. Those who have been denied makeup parenting time may need to take legal action to protect their bond with their children.