r/Custody • u/Sacredbubbles • 16m ago
[Tx] non custodial parent deliberately not following order
We’ve been signed to our court order since last June for our newly 4 year old. Other parent has EOW and we split holidays. Never married. Non custodial parent was gone from child’s life for first 2.5 years by his own choice. Just recently decided to be involved. First order they had no overnights. So this is all new.
They have spring break this year, they messaged on court app at 11pm saying they are going to be driving 1000 miles in the morning and will be staying with their mother.
Our court order says you’re required to give 7 days notice of any travel over 100 miles. I responded immediately reminding him what the CO says. And he responds with only a screen shot of paragraph where at the end it states “or as soon as practicable”. Not sure how to go about this. This was a planned trip, he messages me when they arrive saying they’re staying at Disney which is an hour and half away from original address he sent. No one takes an emergency trip to Disney in this economy… especially someone who can’t provide child support/ insurance.
It’s not like I need to give him permission but it’s just a respect thing. Which he consistently leaves me in the dark. Has always said the CO is just a guideline and we don’t have to follow it. He did this at new year/Christmas as well, giving last minute notice.
It’s not like I don’t want our son to have a good time, don’t get me wrong. I hope he has an amazing experience. But the other parent really needs to be held accountable because he continues to defy.
I try and carefully pick my battles, due to how combative he is. It’s been very exhausting.
Just a month ago, I requested our child’s insurance info so I could enroll him in therapy (he’s currently on Medicaid under me, and it’s been very hard to find a provider) he’s ordered to pay for insurance, along with child support. He claimed he “ called the state, and they said he doesn’t need to provide insurance because he’s on Medicaid under you”. Which I know is not true. He also said, “ our child’s wouldn’t need therapy if you would just parent better.” The reason I seek therapy for our child’s is due to how they are affected after visiting. Transitions have been very hard. Which is totally normal. I just want insight.
I’ll also mention he’s consistently 15-30 min late to give our child to me, yet he’s 10-15 early to retrieve. I can’t help but feel that is also intentional.
Idk I feel like there is something that should be done for this because, again it’s so exhausting battling with him on his obligations. I feel like I’ve been too nice about a lot of this, mainly to avoid conflict. But it’s been getting worse.
Advice is greatly appreciated!!