What Can I Do if My Ex Always Shows Up Late to Visitation Exchanges? 

 Posted on December 05, 2024 in Child Custody / Allocation of Parental Responsibilities

When parents share custody of their children, sticking to the agreed schedule for visitation exchanges is very important. If one parent is always late, it can disrupt plans, cause stress, and even affect the children’s well-being. Thankfully, Illinois law provides ways to handle this issue. A Naperville, IL family law attorney can help you find the best solution.

Why Timely Visitation Exchanges Matter

Late exchanges can create many problems for both parents and children. For example:

• Children might miss activities, meals, or bedtime routines.

• Parents may struggle to stick to their work or personal schedules.

• Children could feel upset or confused if lateness happens often.

While occasional lateness is understandable, repeated tardiness can damage trust between co-parents and make the situation harder for everyone.

How to Handle Chronic Lateness for Visitation Swaps

If your ex is always late for visitation exchanges, there are steps you can take to address the problem:

Keep Records of Lateness

Write down each time your ex is late, including:

• The scheduled exchange time.

• The actual time they arrived.

• Any excuses they gave.

• How their lateness affected you or your child (for example, missing soccer practice).

Keeping detailed records is important if you need to bring this issue to court.

Talk to Your Ex

Sometimes, a calm conversation can help. Let your ex know how their lateness impacts you and the kids. They may not realize how much trouble it causes. Suggest practical solutions, like setting reminders or adjusting the schedule to better fit their needs.

Try Mediation

If talking does not help, mediation can be a good next step. A mediator is a neutral third party who helps parents solve disputes without going to court. This approach can make it easier to agree on changes to the schedule or find other ways to fix the issue.

Ask to Change the Parenting Plan

If the problem keeps happening, you can ask the court to change your parenting plan. Illinois judges focus on what is best for the child, and they will look at:

• How parental tardiness affects your child.

• Whether the current schedule works for your ex.

• Whether a new plan could help.

For example, you could ask for a specific grace period for lateness or suggest a new pickup location to make exchanges easier.

Enforce the Existing Parenting Plan

If your parenting plan already says your ex must be on time, you can ask the court to enforce the rules. The court can order penalties like makeup parenting time or fines if your ex continues to be late.

When to Get Legal Help

If your ex’s lateness is creating bigger problems or hurting your child’s routine, it may be time to talk to an attorney. They can guide you on the best legal options, help with paperwork, and represent you in court if necessary.

Call Our Naperville, IL Parenting Plan Modification Lawyer

If your ex is often late for visitation exchanges, a DuPage County, IL child custody attorney at Calabrese Associates, P.C. can help you find a solution. Call Calabrese Associates, P.C. at 630-393-3111 today to learn how we can help you protect your rights and support your child’s well-being.