What Happens If Your Ex Refuses to Follow the Custody Order?

Louisiana Custody Order

A custody order is meant to give your child stability and provide a clear structure for both parents to follow. When your ex refuses to follow that order, it can create stress, confusion, and unnecessary conflict especially when you are doing everything you can to keep things consistent for your child. Many parents feel helpless or unsure of what their rights are in these moments, but under Louisiana law, a custody order is enforceable, and you have options to protect your family.

If you are dealing with late drop-offs, withheld visitation, constant schedule changes, or outright refusal to follow the parenting plan, understanding what steps you can take is the first step toward getting things back on track.

Recognizing Custody Order Violations

Custody violations can show up in many different ways. Sometimes they start small: a parent picking up the child late, frequently requesting last-minute changes, or not communicating clearly. In more serious situations, a parent may refuse to return the child, interfere with scheduled visits, or undermine your relationship with your child.

These issues are important because they can disrupt your child’s routine and make co-parenting almost impossible. When violations become a pattern, it may be time to take legal action.

Documenting the Issues

If your ex refuses to follow the custody order, documentation becomes one of your strongest tools. Keeping screenshots, texts, emails, call logs, and notes about missed exchanges or late returns helps build a clear, detailed timeline of what has been happening. This documentation can be crucial if the matter ends up in mediation or in front of a judge.

Relying on memory alone can make your case harder. Written proof speaks for itself.

Trying Communication When Safe and Appropriate

Sometimes minor issues can be cleared up with a calm, written request for clarification. But communication should only be attempted if it feels safe and appropriate. Keeping communication short and in writing helps avoid arguments and provides a clean record. If your ex is aggressive, manipulative, or escalates conflict, limit contact to necessary written messages only.

Filing for Contempt of Court

If the violations continue, you have the right to file a Rule for Contempt. This asks the court to enforce the custody order and hold the other parent accountable. A judge can order makeup time, require co-parenting classes, issue fines, or impose other consequences. In serious cases, repeated violations can even result in a change in custody.

Louisiana courts take custody violations seriously because the child’s best interest is always the priority.

Considering a Modification

If your ex repeatedly refuses to follow the custody arrangement, this may be considered a material change in circumstances. In these situations, a modification may be necessary to better protect your child and create a more workable schedule. A custody plan that only works on paper but not in practice may not be in your child’s best interest.

How Moisant Law Firm Helps When Your Ex Won’t Follow the Custody Order

Custody conflicts are emotionally draining, especially when you are trying to protect your child’s stability. At Moisant Law Firm, our all-women team understands the stress and frustration that come with co-parenting challenges. We help parents document violations, understand their options, and take the appropriate legal steps to enforce or modify the custody order.

Our firm serves families across Jefferson Parish, St. Charles Parish, St. Tammany Parish, Plaquemines Parish, Terrebonne Parish, and the Greater New Orleans area. If your ex refuses to follow the custody order, we are here to guide you through the process with clarity, compassion, and strength.

Contact Moisant Law Firm today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you protect your rights and your child’s well-being.