Custodial interference refers to a parent breaking court determined custodial instructions. This can be as major as taking a child from the sole custodian or as minimal as calling a child more than directed. Custodial interference is a crime in many instances, and taking a child or keeping a child longer than allowed from the custodial parent can constitute kidnapping. A parent will not be charged with any custodial interference crimes when the action is due to emergencies like weather or in preventing reasonably perceived violence against the child.
See also: Custody (of a child)
[Last updated in July of 2021 by the Wex Definitions Team]