4 Things to Do if Your Ex Is Interfering with Custody

 Posted on November 12, 2025 in Child Custody

Few things are more frustrating than trying to co-parent with someone who refuses to follow your custody agreement. Maybe your ex is showing up late for drop-offs, keeping the kids longer than allowed, or bad-mouthing you in front of them. Whatever the situation, this kind of interference can harm your relationship with your children and it is against the law. 

In Maryland, custody orders are legally binding. When one parent deliberately violates that order, the other parent has the right to take action. Find solutions that actually work by calling our Bowie, MD child custody attorneys. 

Start Keeping Records

When your ex ignores the custody schedule, it is natural to get angry and tempting to respond accordingly. But this can backfire. Emotional reactions can make things worse, especially if the matter ends up in court where your behavior will be scrutinized. Instead, start documenting every incident.

Write down dates, times, and details about whatever your ex is doing that violates your custody agreement. Save text messages that show interference or attempts to manipulate your children. Write down anything strange your kids say. 

These records will be crucial if you need to prove your case in front of a Maryland family law judge. Under Md. Code, Family Law §9-105, the court can consider whether one parent has intentionally interfered with the other’s relationship with the children when making custody decisions.

Approach the Issue Politely But Directly

Sometimes, custody issues happen because of poor communication rather than malicious intent. If it makes sense, try to talk to your ex calmly and directly. Point to the custody order and remind them of the schedule. Keep the conversation short, factual, and focused on the children’s needs. Even if it goes nowhere, you can show the court that you have tried in good faith to get the custody schedule back on track. 

If you do not feel comfortable speaking directly, you can communicate in writing. Using co-parenting apps such as OurFamilyWizard or TalkingParents keeps a record of every message. This will provide documentation if you return to court.

Don’t Retaliate

Even when you are angry or hurt, never take matters into your own hands. Do not withhold child support or block your ex’s parenting time in response. The court expects both parents to follow the existing order until it is officially changed. Retaliating can make you look uncooperative and could backfire during future custody hearings.

File a Motion for Contempt or Custody Modification

If your ex continues to interfere despite your efforts, it may be time to take legal action. Your attorney can help you file a Petition for Contempt with the Circuit Court, asking a judge to enforce the existing custody order. The court may impose fines, modify visitation, or even order make-up time with your children.

In more serious cases, continued interference could be grounds for changing custody altogether. If the court finds that one parent is purposefully trying to alienate the children or undermine the other parent’s rights, it may give extra parenting time, or even primary custody, to the cooperative parent.

Work with an Experienced Annapolis, Maryland Custody Lawyer

At Law Office of Kari H. Fawcett, our Bowie child custody lawyers bring more than 50 years of combined experience to every case. We understand how painful it can be when an ex refuses to respect your parenting rights. We know how to take action under Maryland law to protect your relationship with your children.

Call 301-262-5500 to schedule a confidential consultation.