As a parent, there is nothing more important than making sure that your child is safe at all times. You may worry about their safety at school or at the houses of friends, but feel, deep down, that they are being cared for by responsible adults. If you have much greater concerns about your child’s safety when they are in the custody of the other parent, it may be that you have a legitimate cause to feel concerned.
Perhaps the other parent has had a history of drug abuse, domestic violence or child neglect, and this is why you feel concerned. If this is the case, it is important that you raise any issues you have with the child custody courts. They will be able to assess the situation objectively.
Make sure that you report changes of circumstances
Perhaps the other parent has a history of drug or alcohol abuse, but has reportedly been sober for many years. If this is the case, it is possible that they will still be able to have shared custody of their children.
As the other parent, you have the right to request a child custody modification if you believe that the situation has changed. For example, if you believe that the other parent has started to abuse alcohol or drugs again, this could endanger your child and, therefore, the child custody courts may want to reassess the situation.
Show the child custody courts your true motives
The sad reality is that some parents seek to deny the other parent of custody purely as a form of revenge. It is important that you are able to show the child custody courts that you truly have your child’s best interests at heart.
You can do this by being willing to make compromises with the other parent that will benefit your children in the long run. For example, you might advocate for the use of a visitation center so that your children can still bond with their other parent in a safe environment.
If you want to ensure the safety of your children when they are under the supervision of the other parent, it is important that you attempt to create a parenting plan that addresses your concerns.
