As often as we discuss the benefits of finding common ground whenever possible, the fact is that many couples who go their separate ways will never completely agree on all of the court orders and other terms of their divorce. Splitting up a family can be very emotionally and financially trying, and it can take years to fully adjust. This is especially true when children are involved. Parents often disagree about how much time both should be allowed to spend with their kids, and child custody arrangements are hard on everyone at first. That said, it’s important to follow the established order to avoid more serious problems.
A parent accused of violating a child custody order is now dealing with the aftermath of his actions. He and his sons were found in Texas, putting an end to a frantic, multi-state search launched after the father failed to return them at the end of a scheduled visit.
The 7- and 9-year-old boys, who live in Atlanta, Georgia, were supposed to go on a short trip to Chattanooga, Tennessee, with their father few days before Christmas and return Dec. 26. When the three failed to show up that day, the boys’ mother went to her husband’s house to look for them. After she found the home empty and the phone disconnected, she contacted authorities, who issued an Amber Alert.
Several days later the boys and their father were spotted at a store in Tennessee and later at a motel in Austin, Texas. Police arrested the man on charges of interfering with child custody and crossing state lines, which is a felony. If convicted, he could have a much harder time gaining visitation time with his sons.
In other words, no matter how difficult it is to see your children less after a separation or divorce, breaking the law will make it even tougher, not to mention create stress and embarrassment for your children if they’re old enough to understand the consequences of your actions. If you feel that your child custody arrangement is truly unfair, you’re always better off working with a family law attorney than taking matters into your own hands.
Source: WSB Radio, “Two missing Georgia boys return home with mom, from Texas,” Daphne Young, Dec. 31, 2012
- Our firm helps Texas residents with child custody and a wide range of other family law matters. To learn more about our practice, please visit our Dallas child custody page.