Legal Guide

Guide to Mandated Communication Orders

When a parent is being blocked from contact with their child, a Mandated Communication Order is a court directive specifying exactly how and when a child and parent must communicate. In high-conflict or interstate cases, one party cutting off contact worsens the "missing mirror" effect — this order protects the child's right to a relationship by force of law.

1. When to request one

The other party is gatekeeping or blocking calls and video chats
No current court order addresses communication
A long-standing "judicial pause" is causing the child emotional distress
Communication is only allowed through a hostile third party

2. Specifics to include

Frequency: specific days, times, and time zone adjustments
Platform: named apps (FaceTime, Zoom, OurFamilyWizard) for a digital paper trail
Duration: minimum 15–20 minutes, free from interference or monitoring

Vague orders are difficult to enforce. Always request specific "Waymarks" — frequency, platform, and duration — when your attorney drafts the motion.

Overcoming obstacles & enforcing your order

Countering the "safety" excuse

If the other party claims communication is distressing for the child, counter with clinical framing:

Request therapeutic supervision: suggest calls facilitated by a neutral therapist so the child feels safe while maintaining the bond
Focus on abandonment trauma: remind the court that silence from a parent feels like abandonment — communication is a clinical intervention to prevent further trauma

Documentation & enforcement

If the order is granted, maintain a communication log:

Record every successful call
Record every "no-show" or blocked attempt
Save screenshots of call logs or "call failed" messages

If the child is consistently "too busy" or "refuses," this may be evidence of parental alienation or grounds for a psychological evaluation.

This guide is provided by The Waymark Foundation for peer-support and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a licensed family law attorney to file motions in your specific jurisdiction.

Need more than a guide?

If your family is in the middle of it right now, you don't have to figure this out alone.

Apply for a Grant More Resources Donate