Split Custody, Split Rules: Can I Make My Ex Allow a Phone? 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

Split Custody, Split Rules: Can I Make My Ex Allow a Phone?

August 04, 2025 • Anderson Keuscher Brachmann

The Question:

“My ex and I have 50/50 custody, but he refuses to let our 13-year-old have a phone at his house—even though I think it’s important for safety and communication. Can I do anything legally to require consistent rules between homes?”

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In this episode of Love Court, divorce attorney Jessica Anderson answers a listener’s question about conflicting household rules in a 50/50 custody arrangement. When one parent says yes to a phone and the other says absolutely not, can the court step in? Jessica breaks down how much control each parent has, what courts consider in co-parenting disagreements, and whether consistency between homes can be legally enforced.