It is a familiar scene for many divorced parents: the suitcase is by the door, the parenting time schedule says it is time for the visit, but your child refuses to go. You are now stuck in the middle, trying to balance your child’s emotions with a court order you are legally required to follow.
What are you supposed to do? Can you be blamed if your child will not cooperate? Should you force him or her to go? Or will that just make things worse?
These situations are more common than you might think. Illinois courts expect parents to comply with parenting time orders, but the courts also understand that children are not always easy to persuade.
Navigating this tricky situation requires both compassion and a solid understanding of your legal responsibilities. A DuPage County family law attorney can help you protect your relationship with your child while also avoiding unnecessary legal trouble.