When Kids Dread Visitation: Can I Refuse to Send Them? Artwork

Love Court Off the Record

In the podcast, Love Court Off The Record, we look at specific legal questions regarding all family law matters. From child custody to child support to divorce. We also take a humorous look at divorce. It does make people go crazy!!

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Love Court Off the Record

When Kids Dread Visitation: Can I Refuse to Send Them?

July 15, 2025 • Anderson Keuscher Brachmann

The Question:

"Do I really have to let my kids spend weekends with their dad if they come home crying every time? The boys are miserable after every visit with their father—they cry, act out, and don’t want to go back. There’s no abuse, but I’m worried about the emotional toll. Can I refuse to send them, or am I legally stuck?"

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In this episode of Love Court, divorce attorney Jessica Anderson answers a difficult question from a parent whose children return from visitation with their father in tears. With no abuse involved but clear emotional distress, can a parent legally refuse to send the kids? Jessica explains what the court considers when balancing emotional well-being, parental rights, and custody agreements.