Is it illegal to block the father of your child?
Asked by: Orland Hettinger | Last update: January 6, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (45 votes)
What is the answer? The answer is usually no; a parent cannot stop a child from seeing the other parent unless a court order states otherwise.
What happens if I block my child's father?
If you have unjustifiably blocked the father from seeing the child, he may call the police and/or petition the courts. If the courts find that you have acted in an irresponsible, malicious, or immature manner then it could weaken your child custody case.
Can I deny my child's father access?
California generally prohibits parents from withholding visitation unless there is a legitimate reason. Legitimate reasons can mean more than just disliking the other parent. Typically, a court needs to agree to withhold visitation if there is concrete concern that a child is unsafe when with the other parent.
Do I have to stay in contact with my child's father?
In the United States, you generally have the right to contact your child when they're with the other parent, unless there's a court order stating otherwise. If your ex's behavior is emotionally controlling, consider discussing your concerns with them to find a mutually agreeable solution.
Do I have to respond to my child's father?
If he asks questions, you should answer them. I'd scan and send documents from doctors or school, or provide him with login information to online portals holding that information. Even if he doesn't ask, provide some details.
Dads: Can the Mother Legally Withhold Child from Father
Can I stop talking to the father of my child?
A father has the same rights as a mother and contact cannot be legally stopped unless there are concerns that further contact could affect the welfare of a child.
Can the mother refuse the father from seeing child?
A mother cannot stop a father seeing his child unless the court orders to do so.
Can a mother deny a father access in Canada?
All else being equal, the mother cannot deny the father residential time to the child. As the father, you may need to avail yourself of the court system to either enforce an existing court order or to obtain a variation. Your child's right to enjoy two parents is not something that should be taken lightly.
Do I have a right to know who my ex brings around my child?
You may be wondering if you have the right to know who your ex is bringing around your child. In general, no. The other parent can decide who is around your child when they have custody without your input. You typically cannot tell your ex that they need to prohibit certain people from hanging around your child.
Can I call the police if my child refuses to come home?
Involve Law Enforcement
After contemplating the situation and determining that there exists no valid reason for the teen to defy an existing order of the court regarding custody and parenting time, you may want to consider contacting the police or sheriff to escort your teenaged child back home.
Can I legally keep my child away from his father?
Unmarried fathers have no rights to their children until they establish paternity. Establishing legal paternity is the only way an unmarried father can obtain parental rights. Until that time, a mother can deny visitation rights to the father. The mother could move away without the father's consent.
At what age can a child refuse to see a parent Canada?
In Canada as a whole, the age that a child can refuse to see the non-custodial parent is older, typically around 14 years of age but again, this is not guaranteed. This may also fluctuate slightly depending on the province you live in, and the overall circumstances of the situation.
How do I protect my child from a toxic parent?
- Contacting the authorities (police, child protective services)
- Domestic violence restraining orders.
- Domestic violence shelters.
- Refuge, even if temporary, with friends or family.
Is it illegal to block a co parent?
Unless a court order authorizes such action, one parent can't block another parent with custodial rights from contacting their own child. Otherwise, the blocked parent will have legal recourse through the family courts.
Do I have to talk to the father of my child?
It is your choice if you want to minimize communication, but you should definitely not cut it because as co-parents you will need ongoing communication to be able to coordinate what is best for your child's life. You are not required to communicate with your child's father all the time though.
Can I block my ex if we share custody?
Can you block a co-parent ? You cannot block a parent who has custody from seeing or communicating with his or her child. It is a class C felony, known as custodial interference in the first degree.
Can my ex refuse to return my child?
If your spouse does not return your child within a reasonable time frame and you have exhausted other options, consider filing a police report. This step can help establish a formal record of the situation and involve law enforcement in the resolution process.
Can one parent withhold a child?
Under California law, both parents are presumed to have a right to custody and visitation. Thus, if no existing order establishes custody of a child, either parent can seek court intervention to establish custody.
Can keeping a child away from the other parent backfire?
Keeping a child away from the other parent can backfire in serious and permanent ways. If the other parent feels that the situation will not resolve itself, they have the legal right to bring the matter before the court to enforce the existing court order regarding the parenting plan and their visitation rights.
Do mothers have more rights than fathers Canada?
Canada's legal system recognizes that parents are entitled to equal rights as both are considered equally important in their child's upbringing. Wherever possible, therefore, decisions that are made in the child's “best interests” include both parents.
Can a mother refuse to let the father see their child?
Unless custodial parents have succeeded in getting a court order denying visitation, they may not legally withhold a child from the other parent unless it would place the child in immediate danger of serious harm.
How often should a father call his child?
Unless there is a specific need, parents should not initiate a call or text to their children more than one time a day while they are in the other parent's custody. It is understandable to miss the child, but co-parenting requires respect for the child's time with the other parent.
What if my child refuses to see her father?
If your child is refusing to go to contact then your starting point should be to: Speak with the other parent and explain the difficulties. Engage a family expert if you consider this would be beneficial. Identify support you could draw on to assist you both in managing your new parenting dynamic.
Can I keep my son away from his dad?
In the absence of a court order, a mother cannot legally take or keep the child away from the father.
Can I sue my ex for not letting me see my child?
If your ex won't let you see your child in violation of the custody agreement, the family court can order them to comply with the court order. For more information about enforcing a parenting plan, talk to a child custody lawyer for help.