Our children are our world and we do anything to protect them. Whether it’s taking them to the pediatrician for preventative and emergency care, choosing only the best schools and neighborhoods for them to attend/live in, or investing in a security system for the home, nothing is out of the question with our children’s safety.
The roles of a parent are to guide children, give them unconditional love and support, and keep them safe. Both parents, whether one has sole physical custody or 50/50 custody, should keep their child’s safety paramount. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case and children aren’t always safe in their parent’s care.
If you have a co-parent you’re suspicious of and don’t think they’re keeping your child’s best interest at heart, keep reading. We’ll discuss what to do if you suspect your co-parent is putting your child at risk so you can safely address and resolve the issue.
Be Aware
If you suspect your co-parent is putting your child at risk, look for signs of harm or abuse. Below are some things to be aware of:
- Physical changes (does your child have any bruising, marks on their body, or other injuries? Are they appearing sick and getting frequent stomach aches, headaches, or complaints of other pain?)
- You’ll also want to pay close attention to their academics. If they were a great student getting more than satisfactory report cards yet suddenly got poor grades, it might be a sign something isn’t right.
- Does your child exhibit behavioral changes? Things to be aware of include being easily agitated, frequent nervousness that includes stomach aches, no longer expressing interest in their passions, and more.
In addition to being aware of your child’s physical, academic, and behavioral changes, you’ll want to pay attention to your co-parent’s behavior and physical appearance. If you suspect they are putting your child at risk by something they’re responsible for like substance abuse, pay attention to these changes:
- Mood swings
- Financial issues
- Quick behavioral changes
If you notice these behavioral changes in your co-parent, contact your family law attorney or the police.
Document Issues
Are you unsure whether your co-parent is putting your child at risk? We’re often told to trust our guts, and as parents, we’re most often correct when trusting our guts. Suspect your co-parent is abusing drugs or alcohol while they have custody of your child? Do you have a hunch your ex’s new partner is putting your child at risk? If so, trust your gut and document things you witness with great detail.
You’ll want to keep a record that includes what you witness with dates and times, also saving concerning voicemails, text messages, and emails. If your gut is correct and something is off, you’ll have a detailed record for the court and police.
Contact the Police
Do you suspect your child is being abused or being put in risky situations with your co-parent’s significant other? If you believe your child is in harm, contact the police. Whether you just picked up your child at a recent exchange with your ex or you witnessed something off about your ex or your child’s behavior when in your ex’s custody, trust your gut and contact the police. They can further investigate and ensure your child isn’t at risk in a dangerous situation.
Consult with a Family Law Attorney
If you co-parent, you most likely have hired a family law attorney in the past to help with child custody, a divorce involving custody, or even a paternity action. If you trust your family law attorney and had a great experience with them with your previous cases, consult with them about your concerns.
Likewise, if you don’t have an existing family law attorney, consult with one to discuss your concerns about your child being at risk while in the care of your co-parent. You’ll want to make sure you choose a family law attorney who has plenty of experience with child custody, parenting plans, and other family law matters like the The Kuhl Law Firm, LLC. We have over five decades of experience in family law, handling family law matters from the most complex to the most straightforward. Our zealous team of attorneys will handle your case with expert knowledge and professionalism.
If you need help with child custody, establishing a parenting plan, or modifying an existing parenting plan, let us help. We’re dedicated to the practice of family law and can help guide you through the entire process. Our office is in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. In addition to our physical location, our firm’s family and divorce attorneys have practiced in Jackson, Clay, Cass, Lafayette, and Platte County, Missouri. Contact our family law firm today to schedule a consultation – we can meet in person or via Zoom.