Can My Ex Stop Me from Seeing My Child? Understanding Your Custody Rights in Florida
Few experiences shake a parent more deeply than suddenly being cut off from their child. When an ex-partner refuses exchanges, blocks communication, or changes the schedule without warning, the worry and confusion can be overwhelming. You may be left wondering whether they have the right to do this and how quickly your relationship with your child can be protected.
In Florida, a parent cannot take away the other parent’s time with their child on their own. Parenting time belongs to the child, and the law strongly favors stable, ongoing relationships with both parents whenever it is safe. Understanding how Florida approaches parental responsibility and timesharing can help you respond calmly and take meaningful steps toward restoring normalcy.
Timesharing and Parental Responsibility
Florida uses the terms parental responsibility and timesharing, and both are governed by Florida Statute § 61.13, which reflects the belief that children thrive when both parents remain actively involved in their lives. Every family with minor children must have a court-approved Parenting Plan that outlines the child’s schedule and explains how major decisions will be made.
Once this plan is approved, neither parent can make changes to the schedule on their own. If one parent withholds the child without a court order, they are acting outside the structure the court put in place.
When One Parent Wrongfully Withholds a Child
Being denied time with your child can be emotionally devastating. Many parents fear that the separation could harm their relationship or leave the child feeling confused. In moments like these, it is important to stay calm and begin noting what is happening. Writing down missed visits, canceled exchanges, or communication challenges helps create a clear record of events.
Reaching out to an experienced Boynton Beach child custody lawyer early on allows you to understand your rights and begin taking steps that support both you and your child.
How the Court Handles Timesharing Violations
Florida courts take timesharing issues seriously because disruptions can affect a child’s sense of stability. When a parent repeatedly interferes with scheduled parenting time, the court may order make-up time, require the violating parent to cover the other parent’s attorney’s fees, or adjust parts of the Parenting Plan to prevent future problems.
In more serious situations, such as refusing to return a child or hiding their location, the behavior may fall under interference with custody, addressed in Fla. Stat. § 787.03. These situations are less common, but they show how strongly Florida protects a child’s right to a relationship with both parents.
When Safety Concerns Are Involved
Sometimes a parent believes timesharing should pause because of safety concerns. These moments are stressful, and while the instinct to protect your child is natural, changes still need to go through the court. If immediate action is needed, a judge can review the circumstances and issue temporary guidance while looking closely at what will best support the child’s well-being.
Making unilateral changes, even with good intentions, can disrupt the structure the child depends on.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Parenting Time
If your ex is preventing you from seeing your child, begin by writing down what has occurred in as much detail as you can. A clear timeline of events helps your attorney understand the full picture. Speaking with a family law attorney allows you to explore options such as asking the court to enforce the Parenting Plan or review parts of the schedule if the problem has become ongoing.
Avoid reacting in frustration or making changes on your own, as doing so can unintentionally complicate the situation. If communication challenges are causing misunderstandings, mediation may help the two of you find common ground before conflict escalates.
The Emotional Impact on Children
Children often feel the effects of disrupted timesharing even when parents do their best to shield them. They may become anxious, confused, or unsure how to navigate the tension. Your steady presence makes a difference. Continuing to attend school activities, maintaining routines, and offering reassurance helps your child feel grounded during uncertain times.
Courts often appreciate parents who remain consistent, calm, and focused on the child’s emotional needs while legal matters are addressed.
Moving Toward Stability
Timesharing disputes can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, they can be resolved. Early action helps protect your rights, strengthens your relationship with your child, and creates a pathway back to predictability. With compassionate legal guidance, you can rebuild structure and move your family toward a healthier, more stable future.
Contact Taryn G. Sinatra, P.A.
If your ex is preventing you from seeing your child or refusing to follow your Parenting Plan, the Law Office of Taryn G. Sinatra, P.A. is here to help. Our caring and experienced legal team understands how emotionally difficult these moments can be. We will work closely with you to protect your parental rights and guide you and your child toward a calmer and more secure path forward.
Speak with a trusted Boynton Beach child custody lawyer today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward restoring your parenting time.
Sources:
- Stat. § 61.13 – Parental Responsibility and Timesharing
- Stat. § 787.03 – Interference with Custody
- Parenting Plan Form 12.995(a) – Florida Courts
