Disputing another parent's medical decisions for a child
LIST Code: FA-04-11-00-00
LIST Code
FA-04-11-00-00
Title
Disputing another parent's medical decisions for a child
Definition
Legal issues related to disagreements between divorced or separated parents about medical decisions made for their children, including disputes over consent, treatment choices, providers, and decision-making authority. This issue covers situations where one parent believes the other parent is making inappropriate, unsafe, or unauthorized medical decisions for a child after divorce or separation. It often arises when parents share legal custody, have joint decision-making authority, or disagree about how custody orders allocate responsibility for health care decisions. Common concerns include disagreements over doctors, medications, mental health treatment, vaccinations, elective procedures, or emergency care. It also includes understanding what the existing court order or parenting plan allows, how medical decision-making authority is defined, and what steps a parent can take to challenge or address disputed decisions. Legal questions may involve enforcing custody orders, requesting court clarification or modification, documenting concerns, and addressing situations where medical decisions may affect the child’s health or safety. Procedures and standards vary by jurisdiction and depend on the terms of the custody order and the child’s best interests. Includes: - Disputes over medical or health care decisions after divorce - Conflicts involving joint legal custody or decision-making authority - Challenging a parent’s consent to treatment - Enforcing or clarifying custody or parenting plan provisions - Requests to modify medical decision-making authority - Concerns about a child’s health, safety, or well-being related to medical care