What to do when co-parent doesn't show up?

1. Option #1: Talk to Your Co-parent. If you and your ex have a solid relationship, you can begin with a conversation. ...
2. Option #2: Have Your Lawyer Write a Letter. ...
3. Option #3: Go to Mediation. ...
4. Option #4: Return to Family Court.

1. Document Everything. First, keep records of every attempt you make to communicate. ...
2. Use a Co-Parenting App. Co-parenting apps are tools that can be incredibly helpful. ...
3. Seek Mediation. ...
4. Consult an Attorney.

1. Establish Boundaries as Soon as Possible. If you haven't done so already, establish boundaries with your child's other parent. ...
2. Communicate Only When & What's Necessary. ...
3. Talk to Your Children in an Age-Appropriate Manner. ...
4. Accept That You Can't Change Someone Else's Behavior.

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

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.

At what age can a child refuse to see a parent in South Africa?

A client asked: At what age can the child legally decide for themselves whether they want to maintain contact with the other parent? Answer: There is no set age in South African Law where a child under 18 can make a decision.

How do you deal with an absent co-parent?

What is unhealthy co-parenting?

Making derogatory or harmful comments about the other parent to the children. Interfering with the other parent's visitation rights or scheduled parenting time. Attempting to manipulate the children to side with one parent against the other.

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.

What is silent treatment from co-parent?

Silent Treatment

Refusing to engage at all with your co-parent about an issue, rather than working to find a solution together, is not only immature but can also seriously damage the long-term health of your co-parenting relationship.

What is harassment from a co-parent?

“Harassment by a co-parent can look like repeated phone calls, text messages, or emails, verbal abuse, name calling, threatening and condescending behavior.” ( New Jersey) “Harassment can take a wide range of forms, from abusive language to non-stop calling or texting to outright stalking, threats….” (

What to do when your co-parent ignores you?

If you eventually want to prove to a court that your co-parent ignoring you is detrimental to your relationship with your children, you'll need a documented track record of your communication efforts. When reaching out, make sure any questions or updates are specifically related to your children.

What to do when other parent won t let you see your child?

If you're denied visits, you can either go to court or find another way to resolve the issue. Act quickly so your child doesn't become distant. For a court case, you'll need solid evidence.

Can a mother legally withhold a child from the father?

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.

What if my ex refuses 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.

How to prove bad co-parenting?

What not to say during a custody battle?

Avoid cursing and putting down the other parent, your children, in-laws, and other family members, the mediator, the judge, and others involved in the process. That can be tricky when sensitive topics, such as substance abuse, are at play.

How often should a co-parent call their 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 to do when an absent father shows up?

If your absent father now wants contact suddenly reappears after many years, take time to process your emotions. Set clear boundaries to protect your well-being while considering the possibility of reconciliation. Seek support from trusted friends, family, or professionals to navigate this challenging transition.

What is classed as an absent father?

Father absence occurs when parents separate and the father no longer lives with his children and provides no parental investment. Parental separation has been proven to affect a child's development and behavior.

What is co-parenting alienation?

Parental alienation is a strategy whereby one parent intentionally displays to the child unjustified negativity aimed at the other parent. The purpose of this strategy is to damage the child's relationship with the other parent and to turn the child's emotions against that other parent.

On what grounds can a mother lose custody in South Africa?

A mother, like any parent, can lose custody if it is determined by the court that the child's best interests would be better served by another custody arrangement. This could occur due to neglect, abuse, or other factors that impact the child's well-being.

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

Speak with your child about why they don't want to visit. Approach the conversation from a position of understanding while still impressing upon them the importance of maintaining a healthy relationship with the co-parent. Allow them to express any feelings or concerns they may have without judgment.

Where can I send my troubled child for free in South Africa?

Girls and Boys Town South Africa was established in 1958 to heal heartbroken children, along with their families & communities, who have been harmed by the trauma of physical & emotional abuse inflicted upon them.