When a parent refuses to co-parent?

Asked by: Prof. Francisca Quitzon DDS  |  Last update: November 27, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (59 votes)

When one parent refuses to or is incapable of co-parenting with the other parent, it could be grounds for sole custody. Both parents are expected to communicate and cooperate with each other to make decisions for their child, without allowing their personal conflicts to get in the way.

What do you do when your ex refuses to co-parent?

If your ex is refusing to co-parent across the board and refusing to follow the details outlined in your parenting agreement, it may be time to consult a legal professional.

What happens when one parent refuses to coparent?

Generally speaking, if your ex is not complying with the terms of your parenting agreement, you should either file a motion for contempt and/or seek a modification to request more custody rights due to his lack of involvement.

What to do if your child refuses to go to the other parent?

If your child is refusing to spend time with the other parent, or is refusing to spend time with you, you should promptly seek legal advice to determine what your options are based on your specific circumstances. A parent at all times is able to have regard to their child's safety and well-being.

How do you deal with an uncooperative co-parent?

How Do I Deal with an Uncooperative Co-Parent?
  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.

Mom Refuses to Co-Parent with Dad

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How to prove refusal to co-parent?

It can include showing evidence of one parent's attempt to see the child, and the other parent's refusal to allow contact, or even respond. Often parents can provide text messages, emails, and the like showing that they have been asking for time with the child and those requests are either being ignored or rejected.

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 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.

How do you deal with a parent who doesn't want you?

Consider trying the following strategies:
  1. Stop trying to please them. ...
  2. Set and enforce boundaries. ...
  3. Don't try to change them. ...
  4. Be mindful of what you share with them. ...
  5. Know your parents' limitations and work around them — but only if you want to. ...
  6. Have an exit strategy. ...
  7. Don't try to reason with them.

What causes a child to reject a parent?

There are many reasons why a child may reject a parent and resist spending time with them or refuse to. This rejection can be a natural consequence of experiences such as parental conflict before or after separation, family violence, personality factors, or poor parenting.

What is considered harassment by a co-parent?

Harassment and insults: Your ex might cause you distress with harassment, which might include insults about your character or the way you choose to parent. Other harassing behavior might include constant texts or calls, screaming and other forms of intimidation, threats, and stalking.

What happens when a parent keeps a child from the other parent?

If a parent withholds their child from the other parent in violation of any existing custody order, this may be considered parental alienation. This may lead to losing custody, being found in contempt or facing criminal charges.

Can you lose custody for false allegations?

Legal Consequences for False Accusations

California courts can impose consequences on a parent who makes false accusations against the other. One common outcome is a reduction in custody rights for the accuser, as judges are keen to prevent one parent from using dishonest tactics to gain an advantage.

What is an example of refusing to co-parent?

Non-cooperation can include refusing to share important health or education information, denying or limiting visitation rights without a valid reason, or making unilateral decisions about the child's upbringing without the other parent's input.

How to coparent with a toxic ex?

Tips for Co-Parenting with a Toxic Ex
  1. Put Your Child First. Respect the parenting schedule. ...
  2. Take Care of Yourself. ...
  3. Give What You Hope to Get. ...
  4. Have Backup. ...
  5. Get a Detailed Court Order. ...
  6. Establish Boundaries and Enforce Them. ...
  7. Think Before You Communicate. ...
  8. Communicate Only About Parenting.

What to do when a co-parent won't respond?

What Can You Do When Your Ex Won't Communicate?
  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.

What is toxic parent behavior?

A toxic parent is someone whose chronic behavior inflicts emotional, mental, or physical harm on their child. They might be manipulative, controlling, or unstable, and they might not always recognize what they're doing or how their actions are impacting their kids.

What is glass child syndrome?

Glass child syndrome isn't a medical condition or diagnosis. It's an informal term often used to describe the challenges and unique strengths of the siblings of children with chronic illnesses or disabilities.

What is cold mother syndrome?

Cold mother syndrome refers to a parenting style characterized by emotional distance, dismissiveness, and rejection. This type of mothering is often accompanied by a lack of emotional availability and neglect of a child's emotional needs.

What if my child is refusing to go to the dads?

If the child is adamant that they no longer want contact with the other parent and have resisted contact on multiple occasions then either parent can apply to the Court to either amend or enforce the order.

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 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.

What is inappropriate co-parenting?

Inappropriate co-parenting is when a parent works against the other or is unsupportive of the other's relationship with their children. Recognizing the signs of inappropriate co-parenting could help you put a stop to it before it affects your children.

Is it illegal to keep a child from the other parent?

California Penal Code § 278.5 PC makes it a crime maliciously to deprive another adult of their lawful right to custody of, or visitation with, a child.

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.