For some parents and children, the holidays are an especially stressful time. This is particularly true when child custody issues result in the kids spending much of their holiday time in the car being shuttled back and forth -- or when one parent is left alone for the holidays. Custody difficulties do tend to arise more often during the holiday season, most likely because of the increased emotions of the season and the tension that can arise around the practical complexities of complying with child custody orders. Sometimes, unfortunately, holiday difficulties end in the violation of a child custody order.

For one Texas father, his only holiday wish was to see his nine-year-old son. He and the boy's mother share joint custody of their son, although the boy has been primarily living with his father during the past three years. The boy's mother lost custody of a younger child from another relationship due to neglect. The man is now that child's legal guardian, even though he is not a blood relative.

Unfortunately, the last time this father saw his son was before Thanksgiving. The boy's mother picked him up for what was supposed to have been a two-hour visit, but she never returned him.

The mother's refusal to return her son to his dad's home is only the latest event in a long-standing child custody battle that has drained the father both financially and emotionally, he says.

The father says he is not interested in keeping the boy from spending time with his mother, but this is an unacceptable violation of their child custody order. He was happy for his son to spend time with his mother at Thanksgiving, but that decision has now led to his son essentially vanishing, as the mother will not respond to his phone calls. He is concerned for the boy's safety and well-being.

Although the mother has since promised to bring the boy back to see his father before she travels to Houston, an arrest warrant has now been issued for her violation of the child custody order.

Having the boy's mother arrested at Christmastime was certainly not what this man wanted for the holiday. Tragically, when one parent takes matters into their own hands and violates a child custody order, it can be a matter for the authorities. Not only does refusing a father's custody or visitation rights affect the other parent and the child, but it is also a violation of a court order.

Many Texas parents may be able to relate to the circumstances of this story. If you have been frustrated by violations of your child custody order, consider seeking help protecting your rights and the best interests of your child.

Source: theeagle.com, "Holidays sharpen custody clashes," Maggie Kiely, Dec. 24, 2011