Enforcing Child Therapy Order

Summary

If your ex-spouse is not complying with a court-ordered therapy requirement for your child, you can file a motion for contempt in the Kansas court that issued the order. Document all interactions and provide evidence of your childs deteriorating mental health. If you fear immediate harm, contact local law enforcement or the Kansas Department for Children and Families. Consult a local family law attorney for detailed guidance.

Full Conversation

A few years ago my now ex husband got residential custody of our daughter. I’m not allowed over night visits until I get my own place which I haven’t been able to do. This was only one of two things outlined in the divorce degree. The other was that my daughter gets therapy, as dad insisted, and that part of her therapy has to be family therapy with me. It’s been over 3 years and he still hasn’t set up therapy for her. I’ve tried a few times but was told since he has residential custody there isn’t anything I can do. Her behavior has been progressively getting worse, not listening, arguing, screaming, etc. I have spoken with him multiple times regarding her need for therapy but so far he has refused. Today she told me she wants to die and that the only thing from stopping her from killing somebody is that she isn’t brave enough to do so. I told him everything she said and he said he would talk to her. Again I asked how the search for a therapist is going and again he has not replied. What are my legal options because now I’m afraid for my daughter
I'm really sorry to hear about your situation. It's crucial to act swiftly. May I know which state you're in? Laws may vary between states and understanding your location will help me provide better advice.
Kansas
I'm sorry to hear about your situation. In Kansas:
*. You can request the court to enforce the therapy order.
*. If you fear immediate harm to your child, contact local law enforcement or Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF).
Please consult a local family law attorney for more details.
I’m worried that if I call dcf or the police I will just look like I’m being petty and I won’t be taken seriously. I can’t afford a lawyer right now either. Plus nobody would take my case due to who he has for a lawyer so that’s not an option. How can I ensure that if I do call dcf or the police I will be taken seriously?
I understand your concerns. To ensure seriousness:
*. Document all interactions related to this issue.
*. Provide any evidence of your child's deteriorating mental health.
*. Report your ex's non-compliance with the court order.
Remember, your child's welfare is the top priority for these agencies.
How do I report non-compliance with the court order?
To report non-compliance with a court order in Kansas:
*. File a motion for contempt in the same court where your order was issued.
*. Include the specifics of the non-compliance.
*. Provide any evidence you have.
Please consult with a legal professional for guidance on this process.
Thank you for your advice!
You're welcome! I'm glad I could help. If you have any more questions or need further clarification, please don't hesitate to ask. Remember, you're not alone in this, and there are resources available to support you.