When Mississippi parents decide to divorce one another, it’s understandable that their decision is going to affect their children. Most parents are willing to cooperate in negotiating a reasonable child custody plan. In some cases, however, one parent might sue the other for sole custody, in which case, if granted by the court, the noncustodial parent might still be given visitation rights.
Most family court judges believe that children fare best in a divorce if they are able to maintain active relationships with both parents. A judge overseeing a custody case has children’s best interests in mind when making decisions, especially regarding custody and visitation. There are several things to keep in mind on both sides of this issue, whether as a custodial or noncustodial parent.
Court orders must be followed
If a parent has sought and won sole custody, it does not mean that he or she gets to tell the other parent what to do. On the contrary, both parents must fully adhere to the terms of the court order, including any directives regarding a noncustodial parent’s rights to visit the children. If a parent disregards a court order, the judge may find him or her in contempt.
Some visitation orders include restrictions
If the court determines it best, a noncustodial parent may be granted supervised visitation only. In such cases, an approved adult must be present while the noncustodial parent visits with the kids. This type of court decision often occurs in high-conflict situations, especially if drugs or alcohol are concerns. Such orders may be temporary in some cases but may later be modified. If a Mississippi parent is having difficulty resolving a visitation or custody issue, guidance may be sought by requesting a meeting with an experienced family law attorney.
