Can I Refuse Parenting Time if My Child is Sick?

 Posted on August 01, 2018 in Child Custody

All parents will inevitably be tasked with caring for a sick child, probably dozens of times throughout the child’s life. While most illnesses are common and fairly easy to remedy with rest and basic care, taking care of a sick child can be complicated when parents share custody. Here’s a look into what you need to know about sharing parenting time when your child is sick–

Stick to Your Parenting Plan as Much as Possible

It can be tempting to deny the other parent their afternoon or weekend with your child as it is, but even more so when your child is sick – you surely want to nurture your child back to health yourself. However, refusing visitation or parenting time for minor illnesses is inappropriate; your child’s other parent has just as much of a right to care for your sick child as you do. What’s more, assuming that your child is suffering from a minor illness, such as a cold, they can receive just as much care at their other parent’s home as they would at yours. If parenting time is missed due to an illness, the parent should have the opportunity to make up that time at a later date.

Remember that failure to adhere to your parenting plan may be a violation of a court order.

Refusing to See Your Child if They’re Sick

In some cases, you may wish to not see your child due to their illness; perhaps you cannot afford to get the flu or a serious cold before a big race, meeting, or trip. Again, however, you have a duty to your child to provide them with care when your parenting plan provides that you are to do so. You cannot reject this duty. If you have a legitimate reason for changing the parenting schedule and the other parent is in agreement with the change, this may be appropriate. Otherwise, the schedule should take priority.

When Is Keeping a Child at Home and Refusing Parenting Time Appropriate?

While you should adhere to your parenting plan as much as possible, there are a few situations where it may be within your child’s best interests to not be moved. In these situations, you should talk to the other parent about what is best for the child and create a plan that works for everyone. For example, perhaps the other parent can come stay with the child while you are at work that day.

Call Fay, Farrow & Associates, P.C. to Learn More

Sharing custody of a sick child can be challenging. If you have questions about what do for parenting time when your child is sick, our Naperville lawyers can help. We serve Wheaton, Downers Grove, Lombard, Lisle, and Aurora, and are available to talk now.