Parenting-Time Interference Remedies in Minnesota: Make-Up Time, Fees & Contempt

We know your time with your kids is the most important thing, and there is nothing more frustrating than being denied your rightful time. 

When one parent repeatedly blocks or interferes with scheduled parenting time, Minnesota law provides clear remedies to enforce the court order.

What counts as parenting-time interference under Minnesota law? What remedies are available, and how to take action if your parenting rights are being violated?

Contact an experienced family law attorney and fight for your rightful time and for what truly matters: your family. 

What is parenting-time interference in Minnesota?

Parenting-time interference occurs when one parent willfully denies or obstructs the other parent’s court-ordered parenting time without good cause.

Examples include:

• Refusing to drop off or return the child on time. 
• Canceling visits without agreement or court approval. 
• Blocking communication between the child and the other parent. 
• Scheduling activities to conflict with the other parent’s time. 
• Coaching the child to refuse visits. 

Parenting-time orders are legally binding. Violating them isn’t just disrespectful — it’s a violation of a court order that can lead to serious legal consequences.

The governing law is Minn. Stat. § 518.175, which outlines enforcement and remedies for parenting-time violations.

You can review more about parenting-time rights on Martine Law’s Minnesota child custody page.

When interference is considered “wrongful”

Not every missed visit counts as interference. Minnesota law allows a parent to withhold parenting time only when it’s necessary to protect the child’s physical or emotional health — for example, if there’s credible evidence of abuse or an emergency.

However, these situations are rare and must be reported immediately. Otherwise, the court expects parents to follow the existing order or request a formal modification if circumstances change.

If you believe parenting time is being denied without justification, you can file a motion to enforce parenting time under Minn. Stat. § 518.175, subd. 6.

Remedies for parenting-time interference

When a parent files a motion to enforce parenting time, the court has broad authority to impose remedies. The goal is to restore lost parenting time and prevent future violations — not simply to punish.

1. Compensatory (make-up) parenting time

The most common remedy is make-up time for the visits that were wrongfully denied.

The court may order that:

• The denied parent receive additional time on specific dates or weekends. 
• Make-up time occur in a neutral or supervised setting if needed. 
• The schedule be adjusted to prevent repeat conflicts. 

Make-up time is considered a right, not a favor. The court wants children to maintain consistent relationships with both parents, and denying time harms that stability.

2. Attorney’s fees and costs

If the court finds the violation was intentional and unjustified, the offending parent may be required to pay the other parent’s attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses related to enforcing the order.

This penalty discourages repeated interference and compensates the wronged parent for legal costs.

3. Civil penalties and fines

Under Minn. Stat. § 518.175, subd. 6(b), the judge may also impose fines or other civil remedies, such as:

• Requiring the violating parent to attend parenting classes or counseling. 
• Ordering participation in a parenting-time expeditor process (a neutral professional who helps resolve disputes). 
• Mandating the violating parent post a bond or security to ensure compliance with future orders. 

These remedies aim to correct behavior without escalating conflict unnecessarily.

4. Modification of custody or parenting time

In extreme or repeated cases, the court may determine that one parent’s refusal to cooperate harms the child’s best interests. The judge may then modify custody or parenting-time arrangements to reduce further conflict.

For example, the parent who interferes repeatedly could lose primary physical custody or face stricter scheduling conditions.

5. Contempt of court

If lesser remedies fail, the violating parent may be found in civil contempt of court.

Contempt is a serious enforcement mechanism used when a parent willfully disobeys a court order. Possible consequences include:

• Monetary fines. 
• Jail time (usually suspended unless noncompliance continues). 
• Additional make-up parenting time. 
• Requirement to post a bond to ensure future compliance. 

The goal of contempt isn’t punishment—it’s coercion to enforce the order. The court may give the violating parent a chance to comply before imposing penalties.

If you’re considering filing for contempt, consult with a Minnesota family law attorney to ensure your evidence meets the legal standard.

How to file a motion for parenting-time enforcement

If your parenting time is being wrongfully denied, here’s how to take action:

1. Document every violation 
   • Keep a detailed log of missed visits, messages, and any communication attempts. 
   • Save texts, emails, or voicemails that show interference. 
2. Contact a family law attorney 
   • Your lawyer can help you draft and file a motion to enforce parenting time under Minn. Stat. § 518.175, subd. 6. 
3. File the motion with the court 
   • Include specific facts, dates, and evidence of interference. 
   • Request remedies like make-up time, attorney’s fees, and contempt if appropriate. 
4. Attend the hearing 
   • Be prepared to show proof of denied parenting time and any prior attempts to resolve the issue informally. 
5. Comply with court orders 
   • Continue following your parenting plan and avoid retaliating, even if the other parent doesn’t comply. 

Courts value consistent, child-centered behavior. Staying calm and following proper procedures will strengthen your position.

How to prevent future interference

Even after enforcement, high-conflict parenting can continue. To reduce disputes:

• Use a parenting-time expeditor to resolve minor disagreements without going to court. 
• Communicate through parenting apps like OurFamilyWizard or TalkingParents to keep records and minimize tension. 
• Stick to the schedule strictly and document compliance. 
• Seek modification if the existing order is unworkable or outdated. 

You can learn more about modifying custody and parenting orders at Martine Law’s custody modification guide.

Key takeaways

• Parenting-time interference violates Minnesota court orders and can lead to make-up time, fines, or contempt. 
• Courts prioritize restoring the child’s relationship with both parents over punishing either one. 
• Repeated violations may result in attorney’s fees, custody modification, or jail time. 
• Documentation and professional legal help are essential to proving your case. 
• Staying calm, following the law, and letting the court handle enforcement protects your rights and your child’s well-being. 

If your parenting time is being denied or interrupted, don’t wait for the situation to escalate. Martine Law helps parents across Minnesota enforce custody and parenting-time orders, protect their relationships with their children, and hold violating parties accountable.

Contact Martine Law today for a confidential consultation and immediate legal support.