Advice on What to Do When There Is Shared Custody and Dad Takes off Out of State

My husband has joint custody of his 7 y.o. son with his wife and I have joint custody of my 7 y.o. girl with my ex-husband. In both cases, AZ (and other states) have laws that keep either parent from taking the child out of state w/o the other's consent.

Your custody paperwork should clearly outline your rights, visitations, etc. If he is failing to share custody per the courts paperwork, he can be cited. Keep a journal of any contact, phone calls, etc. as it will be a record of his not complying.

Contact your court where the custody was filed and explain the situation...I am sure you can get help! Good luck.

I am def. going to have to agree with the other two. If you have the papers, and can't seem to locate him, call the police. Growing up with a mom like this, I know it works. I would always ask how come dad wasnt coming and she would say he didnt want to. Then we would go out of town. Finally my dad got tired of it, and actually got custody of me. Since you have the days set up in the papers, go get your son. Do not let him keep doing this to you, its not legal at all. I hope it all works out. ~jennY~

I would contact a lawyer, your ex should at least be discussing where he takes your child with you before he leaves.
I wish you the best. Good luck

I am a little confused~does your ex have your kids and he is mia? or are you just trying to contact him? If he has your kids and you have the custody court documents (showing your entitlement to visits, calls,etc) than contact the police in both states immediately. If you have the kids and he has vanished then you might consider filing for emergency custody through your city. A girlfriend of mine had to do this a month ago. Her ex lives in Cali and he has full custody of their daughter however she has visitation during holiday break and summer. This summer he dissappeared while she had her daughter for her visit. She just filed for emergency custody and had to show the attempts of finding him,etc. Good luck and hope it works out!!

I agree with the first response you received. If you have the court papers showing you legally have shared custody and he has taken off somewhere with the kids without your knowledge, that's against the law. Call the police!
Good luck to you.

A. S.