You want the best for your child. Even though you and your child’s other parent are no longer together, you want your child to have a good relationship with the other parent. Because of that, you make it a point to have your child ready to go every time the other parent’s visitation rolls around.
But the other parent is constantly a “no-show,” leaving you (and your child) upset and frustrated.
This is a common problem for many custodial parents that, unfortunately, lacks an easy solution. You can try communicating with your ex to see what can be done to change the situation. If your ex is simply going through a difficult time, it may be better for your child to assume that your ex won’t be around for visitation unless you’re otherwise notified.
If talking to your ex doesn’t improve the situation, you can start tracking the missed visitation dates and — if it’s causing your child significant distress — ask the court to modify the visitation schedule accordingly. Reducing your ex’s visitation could serve as a wake-up call and spur your ex to get their act together. It may also relieve the stress you feel from constantly having to orient your schedule around your ex’s (unused) visitation.
Keep in mind that the courts generally prefer to leave room for a parent to connect with their child unless there is significant evidence that doing so could harm the child. The psychological impact of the repeated “no-shows” may be an important part of any request to modify visitation.
If you’re struggling with the disappearing act your ex keeps pulling during visitation times, it may be time to consult an attorney.
