When your child refuses to go to the other parent’s home, you may feel torn between respecting their feelings and following your court-ordered schedule. If the problem keeps happening, it can leave you unsure how to respond without adding to your child’s stress. Here are some steps you can take to address the situation.
Follow the existing parenting order
Your child’s refusal does not automatically cancel court-ordered parenting time. Michigan law generally protects a child’s right to spend time with both parents unless the court finds that doing so might affect your kid’s physical, mental or emotional health. Avoid changing the schedule on your own simply because your child objects.
Listen to your child’s concerns
Listen calmly and ask your child why they do not want to attend the visit. They might feel anxious about a transition, struggle with changes at home or have a concern that needs attention. Avoid criticizing the other parent or pressuring your child to choose sides. If your child describes abuse or another safety risk, take the concern seriously and seek appropriate help.
Keep a record of repeated refusals
Write down when visits do not happen, what your child says about the situation and what steps you take to follow the schedule. Save relevant messages between you and the other parent, too. Keep your notes factual rather than guessing about the other parent’s motives. These records can help explain the pattern if you need to discuss the problem with an attorney or the court.
Seek legal help when problems persist
If your child continues to refuse visits, a Michigan family law attorney can help you review your court order and consider your options. Depending on the circumstances, you might need to work with the other parent, explore professional support or ask the court to review the parenting schedule.
Protect your child and your parenting rights
You do not have to handle repeated parenting-time disputes alone. Your best course of action is to review your order, discuss your child’s concerns and seek legal guidance to determine the appropriate next steps. If you suspect your child faces an immediate safety risk, prioritize their safety and seek urgent help rather than treating the situation as an ordinary scheduling dispute.