Losing custody for not following court orders is a very real legal issue to face. In Oklahoma, parents have a legal obligation to adhere to court-ordered custody arrangements. Failure to comply with these orders can lead to significant legal consequences, including the potential loss of custody rights. We’ll discuss some of the consequences of violating custody orders and the enforcement options available to ensure compliance.
Legal Consequences for Not Following Court Orders
When a parent intentionally disobeys a custody order, they may be found in contempt of court. Contempt proceedings can result in penalties such as fines or imprisonment. Specifically, under Oklahoma law, a parent who violates a child custody order with the intent to deprive the lawful custodian of their rights is committing a felony offense.
Moreover, consistent non-compliance with custody orders can prompt the court to modify existing custody arrangements. The court’s primary concern is the best interests of the child, and a parent’s failure to follow court orders may be interpreted as detrimental to the child’s well-being. In such cases, the court may decide to alter custody to better serve the child’s needs.
Enforcement Mechanisms
If one parent is not adhering to the custody agreement, the other parent has the right to file a Motion for Contempt. This legal action requests the court to enforce its prior orders and impose penalties on the non-compliant parent. Possible repercussions include fines, compensatory visitation time, or even changes to the custody arrangement. This can mean losing your current custody rights for not following the orders in place.
Additionally, under Oklahoma law, if a non-custodial parent fails to pay child support, they could face penalties such as up to six months in jail and a $500 fine. These consequences can also apply to the custodial parent if they deny the non-custodial parent’s visitation rights.
Tulsa Child Custody Attorneys
Adhering to court-ordered custody arrangements is crucial in Oklahoma. Non-compliance not only jeopardizes a parent’s custody rights but also exposes them to severe legal penalties, including potential felony charges. To safeguard parental rights and promote the child’s best interests, it is important for parents to follow all court orders.
If you’re concerned about non-compliance in your custody case, contact us today at Tulsa Divorce Attorneys & Associates by calling 539-302-0303 or contact us online.