If you and your ex share custody of your children, then you’re probably familiar with a visitation schedule. For some people, each visitation day is a source of stress, because they truly believe that their ex-spouses are a risk to their children.
If you’re in that position, is there anything you can do to keep your kids safe? Here are a few ways you can deal with your concerns, so you can relax.
1. Talk to your attorney and the judge
If there is truly a reason for concern, then you should let someone know. Talk to your attorney about getting a child custody modification that would reduce your ex’s visitation or require supervision.
If you want to reduce his or her visitation time, the judge will want to see proof of your accusations. Keep any information you have about the allegations you intend to make, like threatening messages or pictures of injuries your children have suffered in your ex’s care.
2. Get a mental health evaluation for your child
What a professional therapist has to say may make a difference in court. He or she may be able to identify parental alienation and other issues coming up in your child’s life as a result of the divorce. The therapist is able to give a judge an idea about how your child is being treated and which situations are in his or her best interests.
3. Get a protective order
If your ex does something that threatens you or your child, it’s important to get a restraining order. This order immediately protects you and your child, and your ex must comply with the court order. If he or she violates it, then jail time is a possibility.
No parent should have to worry about the safety of his or her children while they’re with their other parent. With these options, it’s possible to make the situation as safe as possible.
