What happens if my child doesn't want to see his father?

Asked by: Dr. Jarred Kling  |  Last update: April 9, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (22 votes)

Sometimes, with older children who refuse visitation, it may not be considered the parent's fault if the visit didn't happen. But if a child continually refuses to follow the visitation schedule, regardless of the child's age, then a parent may decide to get the court involved through contempt proceedings.

What do you do when your child doesn't want to see their Dad?

Acknowledge their emotions without judgment. Communicate with the Other Parent: If appropriate, discuss the situation with the child's dad. Share your child's feelings without placing blame. This can help in finding a solution that works for everyone. Explore the Reasons: Try to understand any underlying issues.

Can I force my child to see his Dad?

Yes, it would have to go through the court. Then a judge will determine if that is in the child's best interest. You can't just not send them to see their father. That's a violation of a court order and can have consequences.

What if my son does not want to see his father?

It's important not to dismiss your child when they don't want to see their other parent. Have a conversation and listen to their reasons to validate what they're feeling. Sometimes, a child wants to feel heard. By listening, you could improve their outlook on shared parenting time.

Does my son have to see his Dad if he doesn't want to?

The court will always encourage that children have a relationship with both parents. Therefore, children should always be encouraged by Mum to go and see Dad if it's a safe and loving environment. If there's a reason for them not wanting to go and see their Dad, then that needs to be looked into to try and resolve it.

What if my child doesn’t want to visit their other parent? Do I have to force them?

43 related questions found

Can a child say they don't want to see a parent?

Children's wishes are considered in court decisions but do not solely determine the outcome. There isn't a specific age in UK law at which a child can refuse contact with a parent. Courts balance the child's preferences with their welfare.

Can I get in trouble for not letting my son's father see him?

They direct parents to comply with them. A parent who refuses to comply with a child custody order and stops a child from seeing the other parent violates the court order.

How do you tell a child their dad doesn t want to see them?

Here are some tips on how to explain an absent parent to your child.
  1. Give Simple Answers. If your young child asks about their absent parent, try to give simple answers. ...
  2. Let Your Child Know That It's Not Their Fault. ...
  3. Avoid Speaking Bad About the Other Parents. ...
  4. Validate Their Feelings. ...
  5. Be Realistic.

What does absence of father do to son?

We know that children who grow up with absent-fathers can suffer lasting damage. They are more likely to end up in poverty or drop out of school, become addicted to drugs, have a child out of wedlock, or end up in prison.

What is father abandonment?

What Qualifies as Abandonment? State laws differ about what is needed for a parent to be deemed to have abandoned a child. Generally, there needs to be a period of time during which the parent does not have any contact with the child and does not pay child support.

What happens when a child refuses to go with a parent?

Sometimes, with older children who refuse visitation, it may not be considered the parent's fault if the visit didn't happen. But if a child continually refuses to follow the visitation schedule, regardless of the child's age, then a parent may decide to get the court involved through contempt proceedings.

Can a child be made to see his father?

It is not possible to force a parent to have contact with their child. If there's a court order in place and a parent is not taking up the contact granted to them, even then, it's unlikely that the court will force a parent to have contact.

How do you deal with a child that doesn't want to see you?

Allow your child to ask for a change of times and days when they see you and help them to feel comfortable doing this. If what they're asking for isn't possible, then explain why and work together to find alternative solutions. Remember to listen to your child's point of view.

Can I call the police if my child refuses to come home?

Is it possible to call the police on your own child if they run away and refuse to come home? What actions can the police take in this situation? Your child is a run away, call it in as such. If you know where they are let the police know as well, it's against the law to harbor a run away.

Can one parent withhold a child?

Remember, California prioritizes granting children access to both parents when possible. If a parent, mother, or father attempts to withhold visitation, this can be punishable by the state.

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.

What is an uninvolved father?

Uninvolved parents are neglectful and prioritize their own needs above their children's well-being. Uninvolved parenting style is considered the most damaging parenting style because the outcomes in children tend to be the worst among the four Baumrind parenting styles.

Does a child need their mother or father more?

Father and mother – children need both of them for healthy development. It is less about gender-specific role models and more about biological sex itself.

What happens when a child loses their father?

Rochlin 120-122 and Kliman 83 have observed that children often assess themselves more negatively after a parent's death than before. Children who interpret a parent's death as desertion because the parent did not love them may believe that they are unlovable, which may result in a persistent sense of low self-esteem.

What do I do if my son doesn't want to see his dad?

If it's a safety issue, then you should get legal advice as soon as possible. Your legal adviser may suggest that you urgently apply to the courts to control or change the nature of the contact between your child and the other parent.

How do I help my child deal with an absent father?

How To Talk To Your Child About An Absent Father
  1. Answer all questions simply and generally. ...
  2. Never speak ill of the other parent. ...
  3. Always validate their feelings. ...
  4. Reiterate that it's not their fault. ...
  5. Make a list of the dad's good qualities. ...
  6. Identify father figures in their life now.

At what age can a child say they don t want to see a parent in iowa?

At What Age Can Teenagers or Other Children Refuse Visitation? Children who are considered legal adults (age 18 in most states) may always refuse to spend time with a parent. Technically, any child who is not yet a legal adult isn't allowed to refuse visitation.

Is it illegal to block the father of your child?

Unless a court order authorizes such action, one parent can't block another parent with custodial rights from contacting their own child.

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.

Can you be forced to take custody of a child?

If the parent does not want custody of their own child, the courts will find a place for her. Noa parents cannot be forced.