If a child refuses to visit the noncustodial parent in Washington state, there are steps you can take to resolve this issue. Call a lawyer t
The Hemmat Law Group article explains what parents in Washington State can do when a child refuses visitation with the other parent and how courts respond, always prioritizing the child’s best interests. Parenting plans are court orders and enforceable; courts may order make-up time, fines, attorney fees, or other sanctions if a parent willfully violates the plan, but they also evaluate whether a custodial parent made a good‑faith effort to facilitate visits before finding contempt. Children themselves cannot be held in contempt for refusing visits; instead, courts probe the reasons for refusal—distinguishing normal adjustment issues from legitimate fears or abuse—and may order counseling, supervised or modified visitation, or a formal modification of the parenting plan when safety concerns exist. The article stresses communication and documentation: parents should calmly share concerns, attempt cooperative solutions, and seek professional help such as family therapy or mediation to repair relationships and address underlying problems. It warns against parental alienation—badmouthing or coaching—which courts treat seriously, and recommends consulting an experienced family law attorney to navigate modifications, enforcement actions, or allegations while protecting the child’s welfare.