--- title: My Former Spouse is Not Following the Holiday Visitation Schedule, What are My Options? description: As we move through the holiday season divorced parents often times face issues with the other spouse refusing to abide by the Court ordered holiday visitation schedule. As a frustrated parent, what are your options to deal with this situation? --- [![Goosman Lawfirm](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Goosmannlaw%20October2017/images/Goosmann_Law_Firm_logo_4C-white.png?width=1250&name=Goosmann_Law_Firm_logo_4C-white.png "Goosman Lawfirm")](http://goosmannlaw.com/) - [COVID-19 Toolbox](https://goosmannlaw.com/covid-19-resource-toolbox/) - Our Team - [Attorneys](https://goosmannlaw.com/attorneys/) - [Non-Attorney Staff](https://http://goosmannlaw.com/non-attorney-staff/) - Practices & Industries - [Practices](https://goosmannlaw.com/practices/) - [Banking & Finance](https://goosmannlaw.com/banking-finance/) - [Bankruptcy, Restructuring & Workouts](https://goosmannlaw.com/bankruptcy-restructuring-workouts/) - [Business](https://goosmannlaw.com/business/) - [Divorce & Family Law](https://goosmannlaw.com/divorce-family-law/) - [Employment](https://goosmannlaw.com/employment-law/) - [Environmental, Health & Safety](https://goosmannlaw.com/health-safety/) - [Estate Planning](https://trustlawcounsel.com) - [Gestational Surrogacy & Adoption](https://goosmannlaw.com/gestational-surrogacy-adoption/) - [International Law](http://goosmannlaw.com/international-law/) - [Litigation / Trial Law](https://goosmannlaw.com/litigation-trial-law/) - [Local Counsel](https://http://goosmannlaw.com/local-counsel/) - [Mergers & Acquisitions](https://goosmannlaw.com/mergers-acquisitions/) - [Rapid Response](https://goosmannlaw.com/rapid-response/) - [Industries](https://goosmannlaw.com/industries/) - [Agribusiness & Cooperatives](https://goosmannlaw.com/agribusiness-cooperatives/) - [Construction](https://goosmannlaw.com/construction/) - [Cyber Law and Telecommunications](https://goosmannlaw.com/cyber-law/) - [Education](https://goosmannlaw.com/education/) - [Health Care](https://goosmannlaw.com/health-care/) - [Manufacturing](https://goosmannlaw.com/manufacturing-law/) - [Multifamily Housing](https://goosmannlaw.com/multifamily-housing-law/) - [Non-Profit & Tax Exempt Organizations](https://goosmannlaw.com/non-profit-law/) - [Real Estate](https://goosmannlaw.com/real-estate/) - [Transportation](https://goosmannlaw.com/transportation/) - [Tribal](https://goosmannlaw.com/tribal/) - Our Firm - [Firm News](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/firm-news) - Careers - [Attorneys](https://goosmannlaw.com/careers/attorneys/) - [Administration](https://goosmannlaw.com/careers/administration/) - [Internships](https://goosmannlaw.com/careers/internships/) - [Client Testimonials and Results](https://goosmannlaw.com/our-firm/client-testimonials-and-results/) - [Culture, Diversity, and Community](https://http://goosmannlaw.com/our-firm/culture-diversity-and-community/) - [Women-Owned Business](https://goosmannlaw.com/our-firm/women-owned-business/) - [Associations & Memberships](https://goosmannlaw.com/associations-memberships/) - [Firm History](https://goosmannlaw.com/firm-history/) - Blogs - [CEO Law Review](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/ceo-on-your-side) - [Construction Lawyer](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/construction-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Cyber Lawyer](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Deal Maker](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/deal-maker-on-your-side) - [Divorce Docket](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Food for Thought](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/agricultural-lawyer-on-your-side) - [HR Legal Insider](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side) - [Law Doc](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/health-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Paralegal Review](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/paralegal-review/) - [Real Estate Lawyer](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/real-estate-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Risky Business](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/risk-manager-on-your-side) - [The Banker’s Suit](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/banking-lawyer-on-you-side) - [Trial Law Review](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/trial-lawyer-on-you-side) - [Trust Law Counsel](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side) - Resources - [COVID-19 Resource Toolbox](https://goosmannlaw.com/covid-19-resource-toolbox/) - [Podcast](http://podcast.goosmannlaw.com/) - [Videos](https://goosmannlaw.com/videos/) - [FREE eBooks & Tools](https://goosmannlaw.com/free-ebooks-tools/) - Contact Us - [Office Locations](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/) - [Sioux City Law Firm](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/sioux-city-law-firm/) - [Sioux Falls Law Firm](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/sioux-falls-law-firm/) - [Omaha Law Firm](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/omaha-law-firm/) - [Spirit Lake & Spencer Law Firms](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/spirit-lake-and-spencer-law-firm/) - [Real Estate Closings Office](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/real-estate-closing-office/) - [Submit a Testimonial](https://goosmannlaw.com/submit-a-testimonial/) - [Sign Up for Our Newsletter](https://goosmannlaw.com/sign-up-for-our-newsletter/) - [Pay Online](https://goosmannlaw.com/pay-online-3/) - [  (855) 843-4531](tel:855-843-4531) ![](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hubfs/Blog_Images/Lockbox%20Lawyer/close-button.png) [tel:855-THE-GLF1](tel:855-THE-GLF1) [Divorce & Family Law](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/divorce-family-law) [Family Law News and Insights](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/family-law-news-and-insights) # [My Former Spouse is Not Following the Holiday Visitation Schedule, What are My Options?](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/divorce-my-former-spouse-following-holiday-visitation-schedule-options) By [Goosmann Law Team](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/author/goosmann-law-team)   |  4, December 2014 [READ NOW](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/divorce-my-former-spouse-following-holiday-visitation-schedule-options) [Read Post](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/divorce-my-former-spouse-following-holiday-visitation-schedule-options#article) [![](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/Logo1.jpg?width=60&name=Logo1.jpg)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/author/goosmann-law-team) [Goosmann Law Team](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/author/goosmann-law-team)  Tags: [Divorce & Family Law](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/divorce-family-law) [Family Law News and Insights](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/family-law-news-and-insights) ## Is your former spouse not following the holiday visitation schedule? As we move through the holiday season divorced parents often times face issues with the other spouse refusing to abide by the Court ordered holiday visitation schedule. As a frustrated parent, what are your options to deal with this situation? First, you can try having a conversation with your former spouse and explain that the Court order clearly articulates X, Y, and Z for visitation during the holidays. However, chances are this won’t be a very effective approach. If your former spouse was willing to cooperate with you and address issues in a reasonable manner, you likely wouldn’t be facing a situation where the visitation schedule isn’t being followed. The next option involves returning to the Courts to enforce the holiday visitation requirement. As disappointing as this option may be, it is likely the only way to effectively hold your former spouse accountable for their brazen violation of the Court ordered visitation schedule. Under Iowa law (and other jurisdictions take a similar approach) your former spouse can be held in contempt if they have a (1) a duty to obey a court order, and (2) willfully failed to perform that duty. What this means is that if your former spouse willfully chooses to not follow the holiday visitation provisions outlined in your divorce decree (a court order), then they can be held in contempt of Court. To bring an action for contempt you can file an application for an order for a rule to show cause why the party should not be held in contempt. This process is carried out pursuant to Iowa Code §§ 598.23, 598.23A; ch. 665. Once this application is made, a hearing before the judge will take place and the Court will reach a decision whether or not to hold the offending party in contempt or if some other remedy should be ordered. The judge can choose from a wide array of remedies including fines, jail time, and modification of the visitation and/or custody arrangement. There is no set course of action that a judge must take and the outcome of a show cause proceeding will depend heavily on the facts of a given situation. An application for an order to show cause can be used not only in a situation where holiday visitation is not being followed, but in any situation where your former spouse refuses to follow the court ordered divorce decree. As always, it is highly recommended that you consult with an attorney to fully assess your options relative to any ongoing disputes so that a complete assessment of your particular situation can be carried out. For more information regarding [family law, divorce](http://goosmannlaw.com/practice-areas/family-law-lawyers/), and holiday visitation schedules, contact the Goosmann Law Firm at [info@goosmannlaw.com](mailto:info@goosmannlaw.com) or call 712-226-4000. Photo Copyright: wavebreakmediamicro / 123RF Stock Photo ### Select Different CTA for each Post from Blog Editor [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/489404/a8cefc17-3b9d-4de0-89cd-e60a64752422.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/489404/a8cefc17-3b9d-4de0-89cd-e60a64752422) ### Subscribe Our Blog Thanks for submission!! - Recent - Popular ### Posts by Topic - [Divorce & Family Law (91)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/divorce-family-law) - [Family Law News and Insights (52)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/family-law-news-and-insights) - [Divorce (19)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/divorce) - [Divorce Attorney (6)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/divorce-attorney) - [Child Custody (5)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/child-custody) - [Firm News (2)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/firm-news) - [20/20/20 Rule (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/20-20-20-rule) - [Agriculture (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/agriculture) - [CEO (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/ceo) - [COVID-19 (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/covid-19) - [Fertility (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/fertility) - [Guardianship (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/guardianship) - [Human Resources (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/human-resources) - [In Vitro (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/in-vitro) - [Iowa Divorce (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/iowa-divorce) - [Litigation & Trial (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/litigation-trial) - [Litigation News and Insights (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/litigation-news-and-insights) - [Real Estate News and Insights (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/real-estate-news-and-insights) - [Social Security Benefits (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/social-security-benefits) - [Trust Law Counsel (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/trust-law-counsel) DISCLAIMER: The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only, and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. By visiting this website, blog, or post you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the Goosmann Law Firm attorneys and website publisher. No information contained in this post should be construed as legal advice from Goosmann Law Firm, PLC, or the individual author, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through, this Post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction. #### Let Us Know What You Thought about this Post. Put your Comment Below. [Previous Post](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/divorce-what-is-a-right-of-first-refusal-and-should-i-have-one-in-my-divorce-decree) ##### [What is a Right of First Refusal and Should I Have One in My Divorce Decree?](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/divorce-what-is-a-right-of-first-refusal-and-should-i-have-one-in-my-divorce-decree) [Next Post](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/divorce-modifying-your-custody-arrangement) ##### [Modifying Your Custody Arrangement](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/divorce-modifying-your-custody-arrangement) ### Contact Info **Sioux City Location** P. 712-226-4000 F. (712) 224-4517 **Sioux Falls Location** P. (605) 371-2000 F. (605) 275-2039 **Omaha Location** P. (402) 280-7648 F. (402) 505-3967 --- [Disclaimer](http://goosmannlaw.com/list-all-blogs/disclaimer/) | [Privacy Policy](http://goosmannlaw.com/privacy-policy/) ### Locations **Sioux City Location** 410 5th Street Sioux City, IA 51101 **Sioux Falls Location** 5010 S. Minnesota Avenue, Suite 100 Sioux Falls, SD 57108 **Omaha Location** Advent Building 17838 Burke Street, Suite 250 Omaha, NE 68118 ![Goosmann](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/Lockbox%20Lawyer/goosmann-white.png?width=250&name=goosmann-white.png "Goosmann") Goosmann Law Firm is a FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM with locations in Sioux City, Iowa, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Omaha, Nebraska. Goosmann Law attorneys are licensed to practice in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota. Their attorney team's practices and industries include but are not limited to Agribusiness and Cooperatives, Banking and Finance, Bankruptcy, Restructuring and Workouts, Business, Construction, Cyber Law and Telecommunications, Divorce and Family Law, Education, Employment, Environmental Health and Safety, Gestational Surrogacy and Adoption, Health Care, Litigation and Trial Law, Manufacturing, Mergers and Acquisitions, Municipal, Nonprofit and Tax Exempt Organizations, Real Estate, and Transportation, Tribal, Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning, and Probate Law. Goosmann © Copyright 2017