Author: Michał Krawczyński
Child Support and Parental Rights Are Separate
In Poland, parents have a legal duty to provide financial support for their children, no matter what. Even if one parent blocks access to the child, the other parent must still pay child support. The law sees child support and visitation rights as two separate issues.
Some parents believe that if they cannot see their child, they should not have to pay support. But stopping payments can lead to serious legal trouble. The other parent can take the matter to court, and the consequences may include wage deductions, fines, or even jail time.
What to Do If Your Ex Stops You from Seeing Your Child
If your ex refuses to let you see your child, you should not ignore the problem. First, try to talk to them calmly and see if you can reach an agreement. If that does not work, mediation might help. A mediator is a neutral person who helps parents find a fair solution.
If that fails, start keeping records of every missed visit, text message, or conversation where access was denied. This can be useful if you need to go to court. It is important to handle things legally and avoid any arguments that could make things worse.
How to Enforce Your Visitation Rights
If you have a court order for visitation and your ex does not follow it, you can take legal action. The best step is to file a motion in family court to enforce your rights. The court may order makeup visits or fine the parent who is blocking access.
If one parent keeps breaking the visitation order, the court may even change custody arrangements. Judges always look at what is best for the child. If a parent is harming the child’s relationship with the other parent, they could lose custody rights.
Common Myths About Child Support and Custody
Many parents misunderstand how child support and custody work. One common myth is that if a parent does not pay child support, they lose their right to see their child. But under Polish law, child support is about money, and custody is about parental involvement. They are not linked.
Another false belief is that paying child support gives automatic visitation rights. The truth is that if you want regular access to your child, you need a legal agreement or a court order. If the other parent does not follow it, you need to take legal steps.
How to Protect Your Parental Rights
To protect your rights, always follow the law. Even if your ex is making things difficult, keep paying child support on time. This will show the court that you are a responsible parent.
If your ex denies access, do not try to solve it by force or stop payments as revenge. Instead, go through the proper legal channels. The best way to protect your rights is by staying patient, keeping records, and filing a court motion if necessary.
The Legal Process for Custody and Visitation Disputes
If you go to court, a judge will review your case and decide what is best for the child. You may need to show proof that the other parent is not following the agreement. Judges prefer that children have both parents involved in their lives, so they may issue new visitation rules or change custody if needed.
If the problem continues, the court can increase penalties for the parent who is blocking access. In extreme cases, it may even transfer custody to the other parent.
The Role of Mediation and Legal Help
Mediation is often a faster and cheaper way to solve disputes. It helps parents agree without long court battles. If mediation does not work, getting help from a family lawyer is a good idea.
A lawyer can guide you through the process, help you file the right paperwork, and make sure you understand your rights and responsibilities. Legal help can be useful, especially if your ex is making false accusations or refusing to cooperate.
Conclusion
In Poland, child support and visitation rights are two separate legal matters. Even if your ex blocks access to your child, you still have to pay support. However, you also have the right to see your child, and the law provides ways to enforce this right.
If you are in this situation, try mediation first. If that does not work, keep records and take legal steps. Courts support parents who stay responsible and act legally. By knowing your rights and following the proper process, you can protect your relationship with your child while meeting your financial obligations.Child Support vs. Parental Rights: Do You Still Have to Pay If Your Ex Denies Access to Your Kids?
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