Today many tweens and teens have cell phones along with a number of social media apps to stay in touch with friends and family. When parents divorce this ready access to your children can sometimes pose a problem.
In a contentious divorce, it may be that the non-custodial parent is contacting the children via text, phone or through social media in a harassing manner, drawing them into the ongoing marital conflict. As the custodial parent, you may be wondering if it is ok to block the other parent from contacting the children.
Generally speaking, if the other parent also has custodial rights and you block communication, the non-custodial parent may take legal action. However, if you believe that your children are being harassed or subject to abuse, you may want to limit or block communication, making sure to document the harassment as evidence to use in court.
If you are in the process of divorcing, you may be able to head of this type of situation by including rules regarding communication in the parenting plan. You may be able to agree on a schedule for communication and establish some parameters for what is appropriate to discuss with the kids.
The plan can also include provisions for handling disputes without having to go to court, such as working with a designated third party such as a child therapist.
Children generally benefit from spending time with both parents and adjust better to divorce when parents can maintain a functional co-parenting relationship. With access available to children glued to cell phones 24/7, it is important to be thoughtful in your communication when working through a divorce.
Contact an Experienced Illinois Child Custody Lawyer
If you are considering divorce and have concerns regarding child custody, visitation or support of your children, contact Libertyville Child Custody Lawyer Ronald L. Bell for assistance at 847-495-6000.