Can the custodial parent deny visitation in Maryland? In most cases, the answer is no. A custodial parent may not deny court-ordered visitation without legal justification and approval from a Maryland family court. Visitation schedules are legally binding and are designed to support the child’s emotional and developmental needs. Violating them can have serious consequences—including court sanctions and possible changes to custody.
Refusing to follow a visitation order can harm a child’s emotional well-being, strain family relationships, and disrupt long-term stability. Maryland judges take these violations seriously. At the end of the day, denying parenting time without approval can backfire badly, both legally and personally. At the Law Office of Patrick Crawford, our experienced Annapolis child custody lawyer is here to guide you through complex visitation issues with compassion and clarity. Contact us today to protect your parental rights and your child’s well-being.
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Denial of visitation rights occurs when one parent, often the custodial parent, prevents the other from seeing their child—even when a court order grants visitation. Visitation rights allow non-custodial parents to maintain a relationship with their child after divorce, even in cases involving sole custody, unless extraordinary circumstances justify restriction.
Courts in Maryland emphasize the importance of both parents staying involved, and visitation orders are legally binding. If a parent disrupts this bond without court approval, they are violating the law and the child’s right to maintain a connection with both parents, potentially facing serious legal consequences like contempt of court or fines.
Divorced couples are confronted with bad memories and hurt feelings whenever they come together. That may influence how they co-parent their children. This is especially problematic when the noncustodial parent arrives to exercise his or her visitation rights.
The custodial parent may try to deny visitation based on his or her feelings. The parent may cite reasons, such as disliking the former spouse’s new romantic interest, or disliking where the parent resides. While these may seem like genuinely good reasons for denying custody, they are not. Trying to deny visitation for this kind of reason can end up causing more trouble for the custodial parent.
Parents might feel justified in refusing visitation, but most of the time, personal reasons don’t hold up in court. Here’s why some custodial parents do it anyway:
Still, the law doesn’t let parents take matters into their own hands. The Maryland People’s Law Library outlines that courts only allow visitation to be blocked under rare, severe circumstances—like when the noncustodial parent has committed certain violent crimes.
If you believe your child is at real risk, the appropriate course of action is to request a modification of the visitation order through the court—not take matters into your own hands.
In Maryland, unlawfully denying court-ordered visitation is considered contempt of court and can lead to serious civil or criminal consequences. Courts take these violations seriously and may impose penalties to ensure compliance with the custody order and protect the child’s best interests.
Here’s what might happen:
If the court finds that the custodial parent repeatedly denies access, they could also grant the noncustodial parent extra time to make up for what was lost. And repeated violations? They might just tip the balance in a future custody modification.
Maryland courts are focused on what’s best for the child—and keeping both parents in the picture is usually part of that plan.
If your co-parent denies you court-ordered visitation, it’s important to act quickly and strategically. Avoid confrontation or retaliation, and begin documenting each incident carefully. Courts in Maryland rely on clear, organized evidence to enforce parenting time. Here’s how to start building your case:
To demonstrate that the other parent is intentionally violating a court order, specificity is key. Keep detailed records, including emails, text messages, and any relevant communication to support your case. Document missed visitations, late pickups, or any non-compliance incidents thoroughly. While Maryland provides self-help forms for a do-it-yourself approach, seeking the guidance of an attorney can significantly enhance your chances of success, ensuring your rights and the best interests of the child are protected.
Contact Patrick Crawford for your case
If you’re concerned about a noncustodial parent’s visitations, try to get help. The first thing you should do is express your worries to a family law expert, such as those at The Law Office of Patrick Crawford. They will likely explain that Maryland law requires visitation to present a danger to the child. This means there’s a real possibility that allowing the parent to take the child for visitation will likely result in emotional or physical harm.
If the parent arrives in an unsafe vehicle, that may be one reason a parent can legitimately deny visitation. Another example might be that the child has exhibited signs of having been abused after returning from previous visitations.
As a parent attempting to deny visitation, it’s important to make sure each incident is documented. Taking photographs of the reason for denial may help. In instances of suspected abuse, filing a police report is always a good idea. If you can’t substantiate the reason for denying visitation, a judge may find you in contempt of court. This could result in fines and jail time, depending on the circumstances of the case. The judge may also review and amend the custody arrangement.
You should speak with a Maryland family law attorney as soon as visitation denial becomes a pattern or causes harm to your relationship with your child. Don’t wait until things spiral.
Here’s when it’s worth making the call:
Even a single unexplained denial of visitation may signal a larger issue. Consulting a Maryland family law attorney early can help you protect your parenting time and provide the consistency your child needs. Visitation disputes can be emotionally charged, but with the right legal support, you can take the appropriate steps to safeguard your rights and your child’s well-being.
Our legal team helps parents across Maryland stand up for their rights and maintain strong bonds with their children. When visitation is being unfairly blocked, we step in with practical solutions rooted in the law. Getting ahead of the issue and asserting your parenting rights isn’t just about you—it’s about making sure your child grows up with the full support they deserve.
If you believe you do have legal grounds to deny custody, you should consult The Law Office of Patrick Crawford. Attorneys experienced in child custody cases may be able to help you resolve the situation. The court always tries to act in the best interests of the child, but it will be up to you and your lawyer to show that visitations go against that objective. Taking the issue of visitation to court may help you obtain an arrangement that’s better for your child. The Law Office of Patrick Crawford is here to help you protect what matters most. Call (410) 216-7905 to schedule your consultation.
Patrick Crawford is an Annapolis Family Lawyer dedicated to helping you through the most complex and emotional family law matters. During his career, Patrick has successfully represented countless people in divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence, and other family law cases of diverse complexity.
Years of experience: 20+ years.
Maryland Registration Status: Active and authorized to practice law.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page has been approved by attorney Patrick Crawford, a legal professional with over 20 years of experience in family law.