When court-ordered preparations regarding youngsters are disregarded within the state of Florida, particular authorized repercussions can come up. These outcomes range relying on the character and severity of the deviation from the established pointers. As an illustration, constantly failing to stick to the scheduled timesharing or interfering with communication between the kid and the opposite father or mother are potential examples of actions that might set off intervention by the authorized system.
Adherence to those judicially mandated frameworks promotes stability and predictability for youngsters concerned in parental separation or divorce. It minimizes battle between mother and father, fostering an setting conducive to the kid’s emotional well-being. Traditionally, these agreements have advanced to prioritize the perfect pursuits of the kid, recognizing the significance of constant parental involvement and a structured upbringing even in separated household conditions.
The next sections will element the vary of potential penalties, the method for addressing violations, and methods for making certain compliance with court-ordered preparations relating to youngsters in Florida.
1. Contempt of courtroom
In Florida, a decide’s order outlining parental obligations and timesharing shouldn’t be merely a suggestion; it’s legislation. To willfully disregard this decree brings the specter of “contempt of courtroom,” a critical cost with doubtlessly far-reaching implications for many who defy it. The courtroom turns into the stage for a drama the place parental rights and obligations are weighed in opposition to obedience to the authorized system.
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Willful Disobedience
Contempt arises not from unintentional oversights or unavoidable circumstances, however from deliberate actions that fly within the face of the courtroom’s mandate. Think about a state of affairs the place one father or mother constantly denies the opposite their scheduled visitation, providing flimsy excuses and actively thwarting the courtroom’s plan. This blatant disregard demonstrates willful disobedience, a cornerstone of contempt. The courtroom views such actions as a direct problem to its authority and the authorized framework designed to guard the kid’s pursuits.
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Burden of Proof
Whereas the accusation of contempt is important, the burden of proof rests on the accuser. They have to show, with clear and convincing proof, that the opposite occasion knowingly violated a selected provision of the present order. This isn’t a easy “he stated, she stated” scenario. The accuser should current documentation, witnesses, or different corroborating proof to influence the decide {that a} violation occurred past an affordable doubt. A annoyed father or mother’s testimony alone might not be ample to satisfy this excessive commonplace.
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Vary of Sanctions
If present in contempt, the penalties range relying on the severity and frequency of the violation. A primary offense would possibly lead to a financial wonderful, paid both to the courtroom or to the aggrieved father or mother to compensate for bills incurred as a result of violation. Repeat offenders, nevertheless, face more and more harsher penalties, together with potential jail time. The courtroom additionally possesses the authority to order group service, require participation in parenting courses, and even modify the unique parenting plan to make sure future compliance.
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Purging Contempt
Importantly, people present in contempt usually have a possibility to “purge” the contempt by taking particular actions to rectify their habits and show a dedication to future compliance. This would possibly contain making up missed visitation time, reimbursing the opposite father or mother for bills, or finishing court-ordered counseling. Efficiently purging the contempt can result in the dismissal of the fees and keep away from additional penalties, underscoring the courtroom’s want for reconciliation and adherence to the established authorized framework.
In essence, contempt of courtroom serves as a stark reminder that parenting plans will not be mere strategies however legally binding directives. The potential penalties for non-compliance lengthen past monetary penalties and may considerably affect a father or mother’s relationship with their little one, emphasizing the vital significance of understanding and adhering to those court-ordered preparations. Ignoring them dangers not solely authorized repercussions but additionally jeopardizing the steadiness and well-being of the kid on the middle of the dispute.
2. Monetary Penalties
The gears of justice flip, not at all times with dramatic pronouncements, however usually with the quiet rustle of paperwork and the ringing of money registers. When a parenting plan is disregarded in Florida, the results lengthen past bruised feelings and disrupted schedules; they usually manifest as tangible monetary burdens. These financial penalties function a direct response to the disruption brought on by non-compliance, a strategy to each punish the offending occasion and compensate the wronged one. Think about, for example, a state of affairs the place a father or mother constantly fails to return a toddler on time after visitation. This creates logistical nightmares for the opposite father or mother, who could incur childcare bills, miss work, or be pressured to reschedule appointments. The courtroom, recognizing this monetary pressure, could order the non-compliant father or mother to reimburse the aggrieved occasion for these particular losses. This isn’t merely about settling a rating; it is about restoring the monetary equilibrium disrupted by the violation.
Past direct reimbursement, monetary penalties can take different kinds. Authorized charges, for instance, can shortly mount as a father or mother seeks to implement the present order. If a father or mother is pressured to rent an legal professional to file motions, attend hearings, and litigate the non-compliance, the courtroom could order the offending occasion to cowl these prices. This provision ensures that folks will not be financially penalized for merely attempting to uphold the legislation. Furthermore, a decide has the discretion to impose fines, payable to the courtroom itself, as a punitive measure. These fines function a deterrent, sending a transparent message that flouting courtroom orders could have tangible monetary repercussions. Think about a father or mother who intentionally withholds details about a toddler’s medical appointments, forcing the opposite father or mother to incur further bills to acquire needed care. A decide would possibly levy a considerable wonderful, not solely to punish the deliberate act but additionally to discourage future violations.
The imposition of economic penalties underscores the significance of treating parenting plans with the utmost seriousness. These will not be mere strategies; they’re legally binding directives with real-world monetary penalties for many who select to disregard them. Whereas the final word objective of the courtroom is at all times to serve the perfect pursuits of the kid, using monetary penalties serves as a strong device to implement compliance and be certain that each mother and father fulfill their obligations, each emotional and monetary. The message is evident: disregard the parenting plan at your individual monetary peril.
3. Modified timesharing
The unique decree, as soon as a beacon guiding parental obligations, can remodel right into a revised map of a household’s future. This alteration, often known as modified timesharing, usually materializes as a direct consequence when beforehand agreed-upon preparations are constantly ignored or outright violated.
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Erosion of Belief and Parental Affect
A repeated failure to honor the established schedule chips away on the foundational belief between mother and father. Think about a state of affairs the place one father or mother incessantly arrives late for exchanges, disrupting the childs routine and inflicting undue stress. Over time, such actions erode the opposite mother and father confidence, main them to query the reliability and dedication of their co-parent. The courtroom, observing this sample, could intervene to switch the timesharing settlement, presumably lowering the non-compliant father or mother’s time with the kid to safeguard the childs stability and well-being.
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Shifting Main Residence
In cases of extreme or repeated violations, akin to constantly interfering with the opposite father or mother’s communication with the kid, the courtroom would possibly think about a extra drastic modification: altering the kid’s main residence. This determination shouldn’t be taken flippantly, because it essentially reshapes the kid’s dwelling preparations. Think about a scenario the place one father or mother actively alienates the kid from the opposite, poisoning their relationship and making a hostile setting. The courtroom, recognizing the detrimental affect on the kid’s emotional well being, would possibly switch main custody to the alienated father or mother, looking for to revive steadiness and foster a more healthy relationship.
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Introduction of Supervised Visitation
When issues come up relating to a father or mother’s skill to supply a secure and nurturing setting, supervised visitation could turn out to be a mandated part of the modified timesharing plan. Because of this all visits between the father or mother and little one should happen below the watchful eye of a court-approved supervisor. Think about a scenario the place a father or mother struggles with substance abuse or displays erratic habits throughout visitation. The courtroom, prioritizing the kid’s security, would possibly order supervised visits to make sure that the kid is protected against any potential hurt. This modification serves as a safeguard, permitting the father or mother to keep up contact with the kid whereas mitigating any dangers.
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Stricter Communication Protocols
Communication breakdowns between mother and father usually contribute to violations of the unique parenting plan. To handle this, a modified timesharing settlement could embrace stricter communication protocols, akin to requiring all communication to happen by a selected app or mandating common co-parenting counseling periods. Envision a state of affairs the place mother and father continuously have interaction in heated arguments throughout exchanges, exposing the kid to battle and negativity. The courtroom, looking for to attenuate the kid’s publicity to such stress, would possibly implement these stricter communication pointers to foster a extra civil and cooperative co-parenting relationship.
These alterations function a strong reminder that parenting plans will not be static paperwork. They’re dwelling agreements, topic to vary based mostly on the evolving wants of the kid and the mother and father’ demonstrated skill to uphold their obligations. Modified timesharing, subsequently, emerges as a key consequence of failing to stick to the unique decree, underscoring the significance of understanding and respecting these legally binding preparations.
4. Supervised visitation
The sterile room hummed with a quiet stress. A toddler, clutching a worn teddy bear, sat throughout from a father or mother, separated by a desk and the watchful gaze of a court-appointed supervisor. This was the truth of supervised visitation, a direct consequence of previous actions, a tangible illustration of a damaged belief. It was not the meant consequence of any divorce or separation, but right here it was, a needed safeguard born from a failure to stick to the fastidiously constructed framework designed to guard a toddler’s well-being.
Maybe the father or mother had struggled with substance abuse, resulting in erratic habits and missed visits. Or possibly there was a historical past of home violence, elevating reliable issues concerning the kid’s security. Regardless of the purpose, the courtroom had deemed unsupervised contact too dangerous, putting this household on this fastidiously monitored setting. The supervisor diligently documented each interplay, each phrase spoken, each gesture made. These notes would turn out to be a part of the official file, influencing future choices about parental rights and the potential for a return to unsupervised visits. The supervisor was a reminder that previous actions have actual, tangible repercussions, rippling outwards to have an effect on all the household dynamic. The very want for the visitation was a reminder of the results of not following a parenting plan florida.
Supervised visitation stands as a stark warning. It isn’t a punishment, however a protecting measure. It alerts a breakdown in parental accountability, a failure to uphold the commitments outlined within the court-ordered parenting plan. It emphasizes the vital significance of adherence, demonstrating that disregarding these preparations can result in vital restrictions on a father or mother’s entry to their little one. The sterile room, the watchful supervisor, the hesitant interactions these are the bodily manifestations of the authorized programs intervention, a direct results of selections made and obligations ignored. It underscores the intense penalties when established pointers, meant to safeguard youngsters, will not be honored.
5. Authorized charges
The courtroom doorways swung open, to not dramatic pronouncements of guilt or innocence, however to the extra mundane, but equally impactful, realm of economic accountability. A father or mother, eyes weary from numerous sleepless nights spent agonizing over missed visits and damaged guarantees, sat throughout from a lawyer, the mounting authorized charges a tangible illustration of the opposite father or mother’s disregard for the established parenting plan. Every movement filed, every listening to attended, every hour spent in session added to the rising debt, a continuing reminder of the authorized battle waged to uphold a toddler’s proper to constant parental involvement.
Think about the case of Sarah and Mark. Their parenting plan, meticulously crafted and authorized by the courtroom, outlined a transparent schedule for timesharing, holidays, and communication. Nevertheless, Mark constantly violated the settlement, withholding the kid, failing to reply to Sarah’s calls, and disrupting scheduled actions. Sarah, left with no different recourse, sought authorized help to implement the parenting plan. The preliminary session price was only the start. As Mark continued to defy the courtroom’s orders, Sarah incurred additional bills for submitting motions, serving authorized papers, and attending hearings. The authorized charges mounted, creating a major monetary burden on Sarah, who was already struggling to make ends meet as a single father or mother. The price of imposing the parenting plan threatened to bankrupt her, highlighting the cruel actuality that looking for justice can come at a steep worth.
Authorized charges, subsequently, will not be merely an ancillary value; they’re an integral part of the repercussions confronted when preparations regarding youngsters are ignored in Florida. They function a deterrent, discouraging mother and father from violating courtroom orders and forcing them to internalize the monetary penalties of their actions. Furthermore, they supply a way for compensating the aggrieved father or mother for the bills incurred in imposing the parenting plan, making certain that they don’t seem to be additional penalized for looking for to guard their kid’s greatest pursuits. Whereas the pursuit of authorized recourse may be daunting, understanding the potential for recovering authorized charges can empower mother and father to take motion and maintain those that disregard their authorized obligations accountable, thereby safeguarding the well-being of their youngsters.
6. Parenting courses
The sterile fluorescent lights of the classroom hummed, a stark distinction to the turbulent feelings churning inside. Right here, amidst the uncomfortable chairs and whiteboard scribbles, mother and father confronted a consequence born of discord: necessary parenting courses. These periods weren’t a reward, however a corrective measure, a direct results of failing to uphold the authorized and ethical obligations outlined in a court-ordered framework relating to elevating youngsters in Florida.
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Talent Deficiencies and Communication Breakdown
For some, these courses have been a needed intervention, an opportunity to amass expertise sorely missing. Maybe they struggled to speak successfully with their co-parent, resulting in fixed battle and missed alternatives for collaboration. Think about a father constantly sending hostile emails, escalating tensions and making joint decision-making not possible. Parenting courses supplied instruments to de-escalate battle, foster empathy, and construct a extra constructive co-parenting relationship. They realized lively listening, battle decision, and efficient communication strategies, expertise that might forestall future violations of the parenting plan and promote a extra secure setting for the kid.
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Emotional Regulation and Impulse Management
For others, the courses addressed deeper problems with emotional regulation and impulse management. Maybe a father or mother struggled with anger administration, resulting in outbursts throughout exchanges or inappropriate habits in entrance of the kid. These courses supplied methods for managing feelings, controlling impulses, and responding to irritating conditions in a extra constructive method. By means of role-playing workouts, group discussions, and particular person counseling, they realized to determine triggers, develop coping mechanisms, and apply self-regulation strategies. This newfound emotional stability not solely benefited their co-parenting relationship but additionally created a safer and extra nurturing setting for the kid.
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Understanding Little one Growth and Wants
Generally, the necessity for parenting courses stemmed from a lack of information about little one growth and the particular wants of the kid. A father or mother would possibly unknowingly place undue stress on the kid, failing to acknowledge their emotional or developmental limitations. Parenting courses supplied schooling on little one psychology, age-appropriate expectations, and efficient self-discipline strategies. They realized to grasp the kid’s perspective, reply to their emotional wants, and supply a supportive and nurturing setting. This newfound information allowed them to create a extra harmonious relationship with the kid and keep away from actions that could possibly be detrimental to their well-being.
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Authorized Ramifications and Accountability
Past skill-building and emotional progress, parenting courses served as a continuing reminder of the authorized ramifications of failing to stick to parenting pointers. Completion of the course was usually mandated by the courtroom, with failure to conform leading to additional penalties, akin to fines, modified timesharing preparations, and even contempt fees. These courses served as a tangible consequence, emphasizing the significance of accountability and accountable parenting. The specter of additional authorized motion served as a strong motivator, encouraging mother and father to take the courses significantly and actively work in the direction of enhancing their co-parenting relationship.
The mother and father sitting in these uncomfortable chairs represented a spectrum of failures, shortcomings, and damaged guarantees. But, inside these fluorescent-lit partitions, additionally they had a possibility for redemption, an opportunity to be taught, develop, and in the end, create a greater future for his or her youngsters. These courses have been a stark reminder that ignoring parental duties results in authorized intervention, emphasizing the significance of adhering to preparations regarding elevating youngsters in Florida. They have been a consequence, sure, but additionally a possible pathway in the direction of therapeutic and accountable co-parenting.
Steadily Requested Questions Relating to Penalties of Not Following Parenting Plan in Florida
Navigating the intricacies of household legislation can really feel like traversing a minefield, significantly when preparations regarding youngsters are disregarded. The next questions supply readability, drawing upon real-world situations to light up the potential pitfalls of non-compliance throughout the Florida authorized system.
Query 1: What instant actions can a father or mother take if the opposite father or mother constantly denies court-ordered visitation?
Think about the plight of Maria, whose ex-husband, John, repeatedly refused to permit her court-ordered weekend visits with their daughter, citing flimsy excuses. Maria meticulously documented every occasion: dates, instances, and causes given. This documentation turned her arsenal. She promptly contacted her legal professional, who then filed a movement for contempt of courtroom. Whereas the wheels of justice flip slowly, this instant motion, coupled with detailed data, demonstrated Maria’s dedication to upholding the courtroom’s decree and defending her parental rights. Delay may be detrimental; instant motion is essential.
Query 2: Can ignoring minor points of the settlement, like being a couple of minutes late for exchanges, actually result in critical repercussions?
Whereas a single occasion of tardiness is likely to be missed, a sample of disregard, even for seemingly minor particulars, can paint a bigger image of disrespect for the courtroom’s authority. Consider David, who constantly arrived 15-20 minutes late for his son’s pick-up, disrupting the kid’s schedule and inflicting his ex-wife to overlook appointments. Individually, these incidents appeared trivial, however collectively, they demonstrated a scarcity of consideration and a disregard for the agreed-upon schedule. The courtroom, upon overview, could think about this sample when making future choices relating to timesharing.
Query 3: If a father or mother is financially unable to pay court-ordered little one assist, will this be seen as a violation of the parenting plan, resulting in adverse penalties?
Monetary lack of ability to pay assist, whereas critical, is distinct from a deliberate refusal to pay. Nevertheless, it nonetheless requires instant motion. Emily misplaced her job and, consequently, couldn’t meet her little one assist obligations. As an alternative of ignoring the issue, she instantly notified the courtroom and filed a petition for modification of the assist order, demonstrating her good religion effort to deal with the scenario. Failure to speak and proactively search a modification can result in contempt fees, even in instances of real monetary hardship.
Query 4: What occurs if a father or mother strikes out of state with out notifying the opposite father or mother or looking for courtroom approval, in violation of the parenting plan?
This state of affairs represents a major breach of belief and a blatant disregard for the courtroom’s authority. Think about Robert, who abruptly relocated to a different state with the kids, leaving their mom, Sarah, devastated and with none technique of contact. Sarah instantly filed a movement looking for the kids’s return and alleging parental kidnapping. Such actions can have extreme authorized repercussions, together with the potential lack of parental rights. In search of authorized counsel instantly is essential.
Query 5: If a father or mother believes the present parenting plan is not within the kid’s greatest curiosity, is it acceptable to unilaterally deviate from the settlement?
Self-help is rarely the reply. Think about Lisa, who believed her son was struggling academically as a result of time spent along with his father. As an alternative of looking for a modification by the courtroom, she unilaterally decreased his visitation. This motion, taken with out authorized authorization, positioned her in direct violation of the present order and will lead to adverse penalties, no matter her intentions. The right plan of action is at all times to petition the courtroom for a modification, presenting proof to assist the declare that the change is within the kid’s greatest curiosity.
Query 6: Can a father or mother be penalized for failing to encourage a constructive relationship between the kid and the opposite father or mother?
Parental alienation, the act of intentionally undermining a toddler’s relationship with the opposite father or mother, is seen unfavorably by the courts. Consider Michael, who constantly spoke negatively about his ex-wife in entrance of their daughter, subtly poisoning their relationship. Whereas proving parental alienation may be difficult, documented cases of such habits may be thought of by the courtroom when figuring out the kid’s greatest pursuits and doubtlessly modifying the parenting plan.
These questions spotlight a recurring theme: adherence to courtroom orders is paramount. Whereas unexpected circumstances could come up, proactive communication and authorized session are important. Ignoring the established pointers, even with good intentions, can set off a cascade of adverse penalties.
The next part will discover methods for making certain compliance and resolving disputes amicably, minimizing the necessity for authorized intervention.
Methods for Adhering to Preparations Regarding Kids in Florida
Sustaining a cooperative co-parenting relationship can really feel like navigating treacherous waters. The next recommendation, drawn from skilled authorized professionals, provides a compass to navigate the potential storms of non-compliance with preparations regarding youngsters in Florida.
Tip 1: Prioritize Clear Communication: Think about a pair, Emily and David, entangled in fixed misunderstandings relating to their son’s extracurricular actions. Emily, assuming David knew concerning the soccer apply, was livid when he did not deliver their son to the sport. This state of affairs underscores the need of clear and constant communication. Using a shared calendar or co-parenting app to doc schedules, appointments, and necessary data can considerably cut back miscommunication and forestall unintentional violations of the parenting plan.
Tip 2: Doc All the things: Think about the case of Sarah, whose ex-husband, Mark, incessantly denied her court-ordered cellphone calls with their daughter. Sarah meticulously recorded every occasion, together with the date, time, and purpose given by Mark. This documentation proved invaluable when she sought authorized recourse, offering concrete proof of Mark’s non-compliance. Detailed record-keeping serves as a strong device for demonstrating violations and defending parental rights.
Tip 3: Search Authorized Counsel Promptly: When confronted with ambiguity or uncertainty relating to the interpretation of a parenting plan provision, consulting with an legal professional is essential. John, uncertain whether or not he might take his son on a weekend journey out of state, contacted his lawyer. His lawyer knowledgeable him of the stipulations of his order. The counsel supplied clarified his obligations and prevented an unintended violation that might have resulted in authorized penalties.
Tip 4: Attend Mediation: Mediation provides a structured and collaborative strategy to resolving disputes outdoors of the courtroom. Think about a pair, Lisa and Tom, continuously bickering over vacation scheduling. As an alternative of partaking in protracted authorized battles, they agreed to mediation. A impartial mediator facilitated a constructive dialogue, serving to them attain a mutually agreeable answer that addressed each of their issues. Mediation usually proves to be a more cost effective and amicable technique of resolving conflicts and preserving the co-parenting relationship.
Tip 5: Stay Versatile and Cheap: Life throws curveballs. A inflexible adherence to the letter of the parenting plan can usually result in pointless battle. Think about the state of affairs of Michael, whose ex-wife, Susan, wanted to reschedule their daughter’s birthday celebration as a consequence of an unexpected household emergency. Michael, as an alternative of insisting on strict adherence to the unique schedule, demonstrated flexibility and understanding, agreeing to accommodate Susan’s request. Such acts of reasonableness foster goodwill and strengthen the co-parenting relationship.
Tip 6: Give attention to the Kid’s Greatest Pursuits: Each determination, each motion, needs to be guided by the overriding precept of serving the kid’s well-being. When confronted with a troublesome alternative, ask: “How will this affect my little one?” Putting the kid’s wants above private needs is the cornerstone of accountable co-parenting.
Tip 7: Mannequin Respectful Habits: Kids are astute observers. Exposing them to fixed battle and disrespect between mother and father can have detrimental results on their emotional well-being. Consciously attempt to mannequin respectful communication and habits, even when disagreements come up. This not solely minimizes stress for the kid but additionally teaches them helpful life classes about battle decision.
These methods, when constantly applied, can considerably cut back the probability of non-compliance and foster a extra harmonious co-parenting relationship. The important thing takeaway is proactive communication, authorized consciousness, and a unwavering dedication to prioritizing the kid’s greatest pursuits.
The concluding part will summarize the important thing ideas mentioned all through this text, offering a complete overview of the results of not following preparations regarding youngsters in Florida.
penalties of not following parenting plan florida
The previous exploration has illuminated the multifaceted repercussions that come up when judicially mandated frameworks regarding youngsters are disregarded throughout the state. From the sting of economic penalties to the chilling prospect of supervised visitation, the penalties function a stark reminder of the gravity with which the authorized system views parental obligations. The trail of non-compliance, usually paved with good intentions or fueled by lingering animosity, results in a panorama fraught with authorized entanglements and emotional turmoil, impacting not solely the mother and father however, most importantly, the kids caught within the crossfire. The potential for modified timesharing, contempt of courtroom, and the burden of authorized charges underscores the significance of understanding and adhering to those court-ordered preparations. The long-term results of those breaches can ripple by a toddler’s life, affecting their sense of safety, stability, and well-being.
The courtroom shouldn’t be a battlefield, and the parenting plan shouldn’t be a weapon to be wielded. Quite, it’s a roadmap, fastidiously constructed to information separated mother and father in the direction of a shared vacation spot: the wholesome growth of their youngsters. Prioritizing clear communication, looking for authorized counsel when wanted, and approaching co-parenting with flexibility and a give attention to the kid’s greatest pursuits will not be merely strategies, they’re important pillars of accountable parenthood. A parenting plan needs to be handled not as a suggestion however as a binding directive that guides your future choices. A failure to comply with the plan jeopardizes the safety and well-being of kids.
