Can You Lose Custody For Not Co Parenting?

Yes, it is possible to be stripped of child custody when not co-parenting properly. Let’s take a look at some factors that can lead to changes in custody agreements.

Is It Possible To Lose Custody For Not Co-Parenting?

Yes, you can be stripped of custody if a court finds that you are not adequately co-parenting a child. This typically occurs when one parent is failing to follow a set visitation schedule or consistently arriving late for pickups and/or drop-offs.

The court can also find that you are not properly co-parenting if you are consistently failing to communicate with the other parent regarding important child welfare concerns. Parental alienation is the terminology used when you wish to cut one parent out of a child’s life. When it comes to each child’s right to receive love and affection from both parents, family court judges are very strict.

The court will ultimately look out for the child’s best interest. If the court finds that bad co-parenting methods have had a negative impact on a child, they may decide to strip custody, at this time.

What Is Bad Co-Parenting?

There are five common factors that can contribute to either a mother or father losing custody as a co-parent.

Child Neglect

Neglecting the welfare of the child is a glaring indication that a parent does not have the capacity to raise said child in the best manner possible. Failure or inconsistency providing basic needs for the child can be grounds for losing custody. Basic needs include shelter, food, clothing, healthcare, education, etc.

Child Abduction

The court has the right to consider a parent taking their child without permission from the other parent as an abduction. Even if the child consents and is unharmed, this action still goes against any custodial agreement. Abduction can make a parent appear unfavorable, which can result in losing custody.

Substance Abuse

Substance abuse always reflects poorly on the parent’s ability to take care of the child and create a healthy environment to grow up in. Excessive substance abuse is oftentimes linked to domestic violence. Substance abuse can suggest one parent does not have the ideal disposition of being a caring role model.

Domestic Abuse

Violence directed towards a child can come in many forms, including physical, psychological, emotional, and sexual. Here are a few specific forms of abuse the court will look for:

• Physical abuse includes excessive beating, hitting, kicking, and punching.
• Emotional/psychological abuse includes verbal and other types of abuse.
• Sexual abuse includes any form of sexual contact between parent and child.

Violation Of A Court Order

Violating a court order can involve all of the factors outlined above. Any nonconforming behavior displayed by either parent can demonstrate the inability to properly care for the child. The court can ultimately transfer custody to a more competent guardian or parent.