I was recently involved in a car accident. Unfortunately, since it was my first accident, I was scatter-brained and anxious. What I did not realize at the time was that the actions you take immediately after the accident can affect a personal injury case and the outcome of that case. I wanted to find a way to share my experiences and mistakes with other. Since the Internet is so popular, I figured this would be a great way to do so. While you likely aren't planning on being in an accident soon, if you are, hopefully you remember some of the tips I share on this website.
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Why A Child May Refuse To Live With One Parent Despite A Custody Order
Yvonne Russell
Children seem to have no respect for court custody orders. It can be very devastating to parents when a child refuses to leave or stay with one parent. Often parents do not understand the reasoning behind such behaviors. If your child is behaving thus, then it is possible that he or she:
Doesn't Like Change
It might be that the child doesn't have a problem with you, but he or she doesn't just want to depart from his or her usual life. This is likely to be the case if the child doesn't want to go with a parent who is living away from the usual family home. According to Psychology Today, most children are averse to change, and they find comfort in consistency. Some children deal with it better than others.
Is Picking Up Nonverbal Cues from the Other Parent
It is also possible that the child is picking up nonverbal cues from the other parent. For example, your former partner may be acting sad when a child leaves and ecstatic when he or she arrives. Therefore, the child may decide not to leave so as to make this parent happy.
Is Angling for a Reunion
Most children with divorced or separated parents often wish for a reunion. They long for the time when the family was together; they think that they can "force" you to come back "home" if they don't leave with you.
Has a Preferred Parent
In some cases, the child may not wish to go with you because he or she considers you "difficult." This is likely to be the case if you are the main disciplinarian and the other parent is more carefree and relaxed. In this case, the child views the other parent as more "fun," and who wouldn't want to live with a fun person?
Has Genuine Fear of One Parent
In rare cases, children harbor genuine fear about living with a parent. This usually only happens in rare cases, or when a parent is abusing a child. Signs of physical abuse include:
- Signs of injuries (bruises, fractures, and burns)
- Anxiousness
- Clinginess
- Self-harm thoughts
Note that you are legally bound to allow the other parent his or her custodial rights as explained in the court order. If you encourage the child not to leave with the other parent, then you may be accused of violating court orders. If you feel that the child has genuine reasons of not wanting to go with your former partner, then the best thing to do is to talk to a lawyer like Michael S. Mehrmann, Attorney at Law and seek a modification of the custody orders.
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