A division of parenting time can be one of the most contentious aspects of any divorce. Parents do not want to sacrifice their connection with their children just because their relationship with one another changes.
Joint custody arrangements give each parent a certain amount of time with the children and impose a specific schedule for custody exchanges. Occasionally, one parent makes decisions that impact the other’s time with the children.
Can those who do not receive their scheduled parenting time expect a makeup parenting session?
Cooperation and compromise are important
Ideally, parents communicate proactively with one another about issues that could interfere with their custody schedule. They can make arrangements in advance to facilitate makeup parenting time if an appointment or extracurricular activity overlaps with one parent’s time.
There is usually an expectation that a parent canceling the other’s time should provide makeup time based on the amount of time lost. When one parent cannot make use of their scheduled parenting time due to work demands or medical challenges, they do not necessarily have the right to demand makeup parenting time due to their need to cancel.
In cases where one parent repeatedly reduces the other’s time with the children and does not allow for makeup parenting time, it may be necessary to go to court to enforce the custody order. A judge may award the parent denied time with their children make-up sessions. They might even modify the custody order because of the prior issues with non-compliance.
Understanding the rules that generally govern shared custody in Nebraska can help parents show up for their children. Enforcement actions and modifications are sometimes necessary when one parent does not comply with an established custody order.
