Family tensions can tempt parents to bend custody rules. You should keep your child longer or take an unplanned trip. But breaking a custody order can severely impact your family in Everett, Washington. Knowing these potential outcomes helps parents follow their custody arrangements.
What is a custody order violation?
A custody order violation happens when a parent doesn’t follow the court-approved parenting plan. This includes:
- Not returning the child on time
- Blocking the other parent’s scheduled visits
- Taking the child out of state without approval
- Making big decisions alone when joint legal custody exists
- Being consistently late for exchanges
Results of breaking custody orders
Everett courts view custody violations as serious offenses. Possible consequences include:
- Monetary fines
- Required parenting classes
- Changes to the custody order, often favoring the other parent
- Supervised visits
- Loss of custody or visitation rights
- Jail time in extreme cases
The penalty’s severity often matches the violation’s frequency and seriousness. A minor slip-up might lead to a warning, while repeated offenses can bring harsher punishments.
Legal issues aside, breaking custody orders can harm your relationship with your child and co-parent. It creates instability for the child and can cause long-term stress for everyone involved.
Remember, following your custody order protects you and your child. It maintains family stability and keeps you on the right side of the law. If your current arrangement isn’t working, address it legally. Talk to an Everett family law attorney about changing the agreement instead of risking violation penalties. After all, courts focus on the child’s best interests, which include a stable, predictable environment.
