My ex and I shared custody of our 10-month-old daughter. I have parenting time from Sunday 7 PM to Friday at 5:30 AM. I work early Friday mornings, and my ex works early Friday morning as well, but his parent (who he lives with) watches her until he gets home. She wasn’t feeling well Thursday night; she became very sick. I let my ex know what was going on with her. I said I would just keep her until he gets off work that evening because she’s just a baby and his parents are in their 70s, so it’s hard on them to watch her, and she really needs to be with her mom and dad right now. I got a message from him at 5:22 in the morning, belittling me as a mother, saying I didn’t give him his parenting time. I explained I thought I had the right to keep her instead of a babysitter watching her or her grandparents because I took the day off work so I’m available. He contacted his lawyer, who contacted my lawyer. Nothing was really explained to me about breaking the court order. Aren’t I able to take my child and vice versa if the other parent isn’t available to watch them?
That sounds really tough. It’s understandable that you’d want to keep her when she’s sick. Have you checked the custody agreement?
It seems like you were just trying to do what’s best for your daughter. It’s frustrating when the other parent doesn’t see it that way.
I think you did the right thing. A sick child should be with a parent, not a babysitter. Have you thought about discussing it again with your ex?
I think it really depends on the specifics of your custody arrangement. Maybe consult your lawyer for more clarity?
It’s hard when emotions run high. Just keep focusing on what’s best for your daughter at the end of the day.