How to Document Co-Parenting Violations in Alabama Custody Cases | Ryan & Rouse

Co-parenting after divorce or separation can be challenging — but when the other parent repeatedly violates your court-ordered agreement, it can become unworkable, stressful, and even dangerous for your child.

At Ryan & Rouse, we help clients gather and present strong evidence when the other parent isn’t following the rules. Whether you’re considering modifying custody, requesting supervised visitation, or filing for contempt, the first step is always the same:

📌 Start documenting the violations.

Here’s how to do it the right way — so your concerns are taken seriously in Alabama family court.

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🚨 What Counts as a Co-Parenting Violation?

The court will only intervene when there's clear evidence that the other parent has intentionally violated the custody or visitation order. Common examples include:

• Denying scheduled visitation or refusing to return the child
• Repeatedly showing up late or not showing up at all for exchanges
• Failing to notify you of important events (school, medical, etc.)
• Withholding communication with the child
• Making unauthorized medical, travel, or school decisions
• Speaking negatively about you to the child or trying to alienate them
• Exposing the child to dangerous people, places, or activities

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🗂️ How to Document Custody and Visitation Violations

1. Keep a Detailed Parenting Log or Journal

Use a physical notebook, spreadsheet, or co-parenting app to record:

• Date and time of the violation
• What was supposed to happen (per the court order)
• What actually happened
• Your response or efforts to resolve it
• How the child was affected (if applicable)

✅ Example:

March 5 — Exchange scheduled for 4:00 p.m. at Publix parking lot. I arrived at 3:55. Other parent did not show. Waited until 4:30. No contact. Child missed scheduled time.

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2. Save All Communication

Always communicate in writing when possible. Use text, email, or court-approved apps like:

• OurFamilyWizard
• TalkingParents
• AppClose

These tools keep time-stamped, uneditable records that are admissible in court. Avoid using phone calls unless absolutely necessary — or record a summary of what was said afterward.

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3. Take Screenshots or Photos When Appropriate

If the other parent sends inappropriate messages, violates your boundaries, or puts the child in an unsafe situation, take screenshots or photos as evidence.

Examples:

• Texts refusing visitation
• Social media posts of the child in unsafe situations
• Missed pickups, with timestamped photos of you waiting

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4. Gather Third-Party Witnesses or Records

Teachers, doctors, babysitters, and family members can sometimes confirm patterns of concern. You may also request:

• School attendance records
• Medical appointment summaries
• Police reports (in extreme cases)

We can subpoena these if necessary.

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⚖️ What to Do With the Evidence

Once you’ve gathered enough documentation, you have options:

• File for contempt — asking the court to enforce the order and potentially sanction the violating parent
• File to modify custody or visitation — especially if the violations are ongoing or affect your child’s well-being
• Request supervised visitation — if the child’s safety is at risk
• Ask for makeup parenting time — to compensate for missed visits

At Ryan & Rouse, we’ll help you file the appropriate motion, present your documentation clearly, and fight for the parenting time and stability your child deserves.

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❗ Don’t Violate the Order Yourself

Even if the other parent is violating the agreement, don’t take matters into your own hands. Denying their parenting time or retaliating can hurt your case. Instead:

• Follow the order
• Stay calm
• Let your documentation — and your lawyer — do the work

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Let Ryan & Rouse Help You Set Things Right

You deserve a co-parenting arrangement that works — and your child deserves consistency and stability. If the other parent is violating the court’s orders, don’t wait until the situation escalates.

 

📞 Call Ryan & Rouse at (256) 801-1000 to schedule a consultation. We’ll help you document the violations and take swift legal action to protect your rights and your child’s best interests.