What are the consequences if a child refuses court-ordered visitation?

Since I was 8 (now 19) and had court-ordered visits from my divorced parents, I’ve wondered what happens if I refuse to go to a parent’s house. I’ve never been forced, thankfully. Recently, seeing videos of kids forced into visitation made me revisit this old question. Can the police make me go, and could I get in trouble for resisting? I’ve had a history of being physically aggressive as a child, so I wonder if I could get into trouble if I fought back against the police or CPS if they tried to take me.

The court assesses the custodial parent’s efforts in promoting visitation. This includes whether they clarified the court order, encouraged the child, and actively facilitated the visitation. Failure to make such attempts could result in being held in contempt by the court.

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If my child refuses court-ordered visitation, there can be significant legal consequences for both of us. As a parent, I am legally obligated to ensure my child complies with the visitation schedule, even if they do not want to see the other parent. If I fail to enforce the visitation order, I could be held in contempt of court, which can result in fines, community service, or even jail time. Additionally, if I consistently fail to comply with the order, the court may modify the agreement to limit my parenting time or even terminate my parental rights. On the other hand, if my child is refusing visitation due to safety concerns, such as abuse or neglect, I should report these issues to the authorities and seek legal assistance to protect my child’s well-being.

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