Is My Ex Violating Our Custody Agreement?

Does your ex consistently return your child on time, on the correct day, and at the correct location as specified in the order?

Have they interfered with your scheduled parenting time — cancellations, no-shows, or refusing to make the child available during your designated time?

Have holiday, vacation, or special occasion schedules specified in the order been honored?

Does your ex take the child out of state or out of the court-specified geographic area without your consent or court approval?

Unauthorized relocation or out-of-state travel without consent is a serious violation in Tennessee family court orders.

Do you have documented records — texts, emails, timestamps — of violations when they occur, or has this been happening without documentation?

Has your child returned from the other parent's home with unexplained injuries, signs of neglect, or physical conditions that concern you?

Has your child told you about things happening at the other parent's home that conflict with court-ordered conditions — new people living there, substance use, dangerous situations?

If the order specifies restrictions on who can be around your child — prohibited individuals, overnight guests, substance users — do you believe those restrictions are being followed?

Have teachers, coaches, doctors, or other third parties expressed concern about your child's welfare, attendance, or behavior that seems connected to the other household?

Has your child expressed fear, distress, or reluctance about going to the other parent's home — beyond normal adjustment or preference?

Does your ex speak negatively about you to your child — making derogatory comments, blaming you, or trying to damage your relationship?

Parental alienation — systematic efforts to damage a child's relationship with the other parent — is recognized and taken seriously by Tennessee family courts.

Does your ex interfere with or monitor your communication with your child during their parenting time — limiting calls, reading messages, or discouraging contact?

Have you noticed a sudden or gradual change in how your child talks about you or relates to you — pulling away, repeating adult-sounding criticisms, or seeming coached?

Does your ex comply with requirements to notify you about school events, medical appointments, or significant matters affecting your child?

Has your ex made major parenting decisions — medical, educational, religious — unilaterally in matters that require joint decision-making under your order?

Is court-ordered child support being paid in full and on time?

Are ordered medical, educational, or extracurricular expenses being shared or covered as specified in the order?

Do you believe your ex is misrepresenting their income — working under the table, hiding earnings — to avoid or reduce their support obligation?

Income concealment to avoid support obligations is contempt of court and investigators can document hidden employment or income sources.

Has your ex made any threats — explicit or implied — about custody, support, or your child in response to you asserting your legal rights?

Has your ex relocated or expressed intent to relocate with your child without providing proper legal notice as required by Tennessee law?

How long has non-compliance been occurring in your situation?

Has your ex previously been found in contempt of court or had legal action taken against them for prior violations?

Is your attorney aware of and actively engaged on the current violations you're experiencing?

How would you characterize the severity of what your child is experiencing as a result of these violations?

Overall, how confident are you that your ex is intentionally and knowingly violating the court order — not just making mistakes?