You went through the legal process. You fought for a fair custody agreement. And now, your ex is ignoring it. Whether they’re refusing to drop your child off, making decisions without your input, or cutting into your parenting time, these violations aren’t just frustrating—they’re unacceptable.
At Shark Lawyers for Men, we help fathers across Illinois enforce their custody rights and push back when their parenting time is being disrupted. If your ex is violating the agreement, here’s what you need to know to avoid mistakes.
Common Ways Custody Agreements Are Violated
Custody orders are court-enforced documents, not suggestions. Still, violations happen all the time. Some are blatant. Others are subtle. But they all have the same result: robbing you of your place in your child’s life.
Some of the most common custody violations we see include:
- Refusing to follow the agreed parenting schedule
- Withholding your child or denying visitation
- Making major decisions—like school or medical care—without your input
- Moving out of state without permission
- Talking badly about you to your child or trying to alienate them from you
These behaviors don’t just break the rules—they damage your child’s relationship with you. And the longer it goes on, the harder it can be to repair.
Document Everything
When your ex violates a court order, your best weapon is proof.
Start keeping a written log that includes:
- Dates and times when parenting time was denied
- Missed pickups or drop-offs
- Any communication related to the violation
- Screenshots of messages or emails if relevant
- Notes about your child’s behavior or comments after time with your ex
This kind of documentation is critical. Without it, the court may view the situation as a “he said, she said” conflict. With it, you’re building a case.
Filing a Motion to Enforce or Modify Custody
If your ex refuses to comply with the agreement, you have options. You can:
- File a motion to enforce the order and request makeup parenting time
- Request that your ex be held in contempt of court, which could lead to fines, mandatory parenting classes, or even jail time
- Seek to modify the parenting plan if your ex’s actions show they aren’t acting in your child’s best interests
Illinois courts take repeated violations seriously, especially when they harm the parent-child relationship.
We help fathers file the right motions, argue for fair enforcement, and protect their long-term custody rights.
What If the Violations Continue?
If your ex continues to violate the agreement despite court warnings, you may be able to request a change in the custody arrangement altogether.
This could include:
- More parenting time for you
- Limited parenting time or supervision for your ex
- Changes in decision-making responsibilities
Judges don’t like to make drastic changes to parenting plans, but they will act if one parent is clearly ignoring the rules or putting the child’s emotional health at risk.
The Impact of Alienation and Interference
When your ex actively tries to turn your child against you, it’s known as parental alienation—and it can have lasting damage.
Courts in Illinois are becoming more aware of this dynamic and may intervene when:
- A child begins refusing contact with one parent without good reason
- One parent manipulates or guilt-trips the child to reject the other
- There’s a pattern of undermining your relationship or authority
If your ex is using your child as a pawn in a custody dispute, we can step in and take action before the damage is permanent.
Contact Shark Lawyers for Men Today
You don’t have to sit back and watch your parenting rights disappear. If your ex is violating your custody agreement in Illinois, it’s time to act.
At Shark Lawyers for Men, we fight for fathers who are being pushed out of their children’s lives. From enforcement to modification, we’ll help you hold the line—and take back your time. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
