Ask a Miami family lawyer: What if a child of a divorce doesn’t want to visit the other parent?

A divorce can take a significant toll on everyone involved — especially young children who may not be able to clearly understand why their parents are separating and which decisions are in their best interest. Reaching a child custody agreement may be a complex process, which is why it’s imperative for individuals to hire a Miami family lawyer to help them approach a favorable outcome.

One issue that some divorced mothers and fathers may face is a child’s refusal to visit one of his or her parents. Assuming this has not resulted from abuse or inappropriate behavior on behalf of the adult, sometimes this means legally having to insist that your son or daughter see the other parent.

“You are responsible for complying with a judge’s child custody and visitation order, which may on occasion mean doing something that feels like forcing the child into the car,” states online legal resource Nolo.com.

Your Miami family lawyer may have some ideas for preventing and dealing with this kind of situation. Here are a few dos and don’ts to consider:
• Do communicate with your ex-spouse so that your child doesn’t feel stuck in the middle
• Do openly talk to your child about why it’s important to spend time with both parents
• Do set up personal space for your child at each home
• Don’t make your child feel guilty for visiting the other parent
• Don’t say negative things about the other parent in front of your child.

Of course, if you do have reason to believe that it is no longer in your son or daughter’s best interest to have regular contact with his or her mother or father, you can always speak with your Miami family attorney about taking the necessary steps toward modifying the custody agreement.

If you’re going through a divorce in the Sunshine State, contact Miami family lawyer Scott A. Ferris, Esq. at 305-670-3330 to discuss your case today.