What Happens When One Parent Doesn't Follow the Parenting Plan?
Penny Robinson • November 10, 2020
Unless the other parent takes steps to enforce the parenting plan, nothing happens. But, if the other parent wants to enforce the parenting plan – what options are available?
A parenting plan is entered as part of a judgment and becomes an order of the court. Not following the parenting plan is a violation of a court order. When a parent violates the court order, there are a couple of different options.
The parent seeking compliance with the court order could file a Motion for Contempt
asking the court to enforce its order. The noncompliant parent could be subject to sanctions, including attorney’s fees and costs incurred by the parent who was required to file a motion to enforce the order. This option is available for violations of both financial and custody/visitation provisions of the parenting plan. For example, if one parent refuses to pay college costs for an unemancipated minor.
If custody or visitation is denied or interfered with by a parent without good cause, then the other parent may file a Motion for Family Access Order
with the court. A family access motion does not require legal counsel in order to prepare it or file it with the court. Court clerks will provide an explanation for the procedures for filing a family access motion as well as a form to use in filing the motion. The specifics of the violation of the parenting plan must be stated in the family access motion. The noncompliant parent will be served with the motion and a summons to appear in court. There will be a hearing at which the court will determine whether there has been a violation of the order for custody or visitation without good cause.
Pursuant to either a family access motion or motion for contempt, upon a finding by the court that its order for custody or visitation has not been complied with, without good cause, the court shall order a remedy, which may include, but is not limited to the following:
- Compensatory or make-up time.
- Participation by the parent violating the parenting plan in counseling to educate him/her about the importance of providing the child with a continuing and meaningful relationship with both parents.
- Assessment of a fine up to $500 dollars against the noncompliant parent payable to the other parent.
- Requiring the noncompliant parent to post bond or security to ensure future compliance with the court’s access orders.
- Requiring the noncompliant parent to pay the other parent’s attorney’s fees.
- Ordering the noncompliant parent to pay the cost of counseling to reestablish the parent-child relationship between the child and the other parent.
A person who chooses not to follow the parenting plan is choosing to violate a court order. Courts do not look favorably on violations of their orders without good cause. When a parent no longer follows the parenting plan without good cause, there are remedies available to the other parent, but the parent seeking compliance must take steps to get them.
If you are interested in learning more about how to enforce a court order, please contact the firm today to schedule a time to talk to one of our experienced attorneys.
We are proud to share that the Center for Family Law ha s received the Gerald R. Ortbals Law Practice Award at the 2026 For the Common Good Awards, presented by Legal Services of Eastern Missouri (LSEM). The ceremony was held in August at the Ritz-Carlton, bringing together the region's legal community to celebrate outstanding contributions to access to justice. A Firm-Wide Commitment to Pro Bono Service The Ortbals Award recognizes The Center for Family Law's longstanding dedication to pro bono service. The firm's attorneys have consistently been among LSEM's most active, reliable, and supportive partners for family law referrals. Family law cases are rarely simple. They often sit at the intersection of a client's safety, stability, and the wellbeing of their family. The attorneys who take on this work do so knowing the stakes are personal and the outcomes matter deeply to the people they represent. While LSEM has previously honored individual attorneys from the firm for their pro bono contributions, this year's award is different: it celebrates The Center for Family Law as a whole. It reflects a culture, built over more than two decades, where taking on complex, often difficult family law matters for clients who could not otherwise afford representation isn't the exception, it's the norm. That kind of consistency does not happen by accident. It is the result of firm leadership prioritizing pro bono work, attorneys stepping up case after case, and a shared belief that access to skilled legal counsel in family law matters shouldn't depend on a client's ability to pay. Thank you LSEM for this honor !
We're delighted to announce that our attorneys' hard work and commitment to clients has once again been recognized by their peers. This year, four members of The Center for Family Law team have earned spots in the 2027 edition of Best Lawyers. Ann Bauer - Best Lawyers list for family law, family law mediation, and collaborative law (family law). This marks Ann's 13th year on the list. Allison Gerli - Best Lawyers list for family law, family law mediation, and collaborative law (family law). This is Allison's 4th year of recognition. Kristen Sparks - Named to the Best Lawyers "Ones to Watch" list for family law, family law arbitration & mediation, and alternative dispute resolution. This is Kristen's 2nd year being honored. Hallie Van Duren - Named to the Best Lawyers list for family law, family law mediation, and collaborative law (family law). This is Hallie's 3rd year of recognition. In addition, The Center for Family Law itself has been named a Best Law Firm for 2027 in St. Louis as Tier 1 for Family Law and Family Law Mediation. About Best Lawyers Since 1983, Best Lawyers has stood as one of the most trusted guides to legal excellence. Attorneys featured in The Best Lawyers in America are nominated and reviewed by their peers based on professional skill, and each undergoes a thorough verification process confirming they are actively practicing and in good standing. About The Center for Family Law. Founded in 2013, The Center for Family Law offers full-service representation across all areas of family law, guided by a philosophy of partnership with clients and fellow professionals. We believe an attorney's role is to work alongside clients — helping them understand their options and giving them the knowledge and confidence to make sound decisions for their future. To schedule a consultation, click here .
The Center for Family Law celebrates Courtney Green's recognition at the 2026 Missouri Lawyers Media Women’s Justice Awards in the Mentor category, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the legal profession and her commitment to the development of attorneys starting their careers. The 28th annual Women’s Justice Awards on April 16, 2026 celebrated women across Missouri who exemplify leadership, integrity, service, and excellence in advancing the quality of justice. Honorees are selected from diverse sectors of the legal community, including private practice, the judiciary, public service, academia, and nonprofit leadership. The Mentor Award is presented to experienced legal professionals who have played a meaningful role in shaping the careers of emerging attorneys. Throughout Courtney's career, which she has spent with The Center for Family Law, she has demonstrated a deep dedication to mentorship, offering guidance, encouragement, and opportunities to those entering the profession, both in and out of the firm. Courtney has been devoted to fostering professional growth and helping cultivate the confidence and skills of future leaders in the law. Please join us in congratulating Courtney on this well-deserved recognition. We are honored to have her as part of our firm and grateful for the example she sets within our profession and community.