Proving Co-Parenting Violations in a High-Conflict Custody Case

When a Tampa mother noticed disturbing behavioral changes in her daughter after weekend visits with her ex-husband, her concerns were dismissed as emotional bias. Her attorney believed her—but needed proof. The Grafton Group was called in to investigate suspected violations of a shared custody agreement. What we uncovered not only changed the court’s opinion—it changed the child’s future.

The Situation

 Jennifer and her ex-husband shared legal custody of their 8-year-old daughter under a detailed, court-approved parenting plan. On paper, the arrangement was balanced and fair. But in practice, Jennifer had grown increasingly concerned. Her daughter often returned from weekend visits withdrawn, overtired, and emotionally off-balance. Small bruises appeared without clear explanation. When questioned, the girl’s responses were inconsistent, sometimes evasive, and sometimes filled with language that seemed inappropriate for her age.

Jennifer documented what she could but knew it wouldn’t be enough in court. Prior attempts to raise concerns had been dismissed as emotional overreaction, with opposing counsel framing Jennifer’s concerns as post-divorce bitterness. The father appeared compliant—employed, presentable, no criminal record. But something was wrong beneath that surface, and Jennifer’s attorney knew they needed an outside expert.

That’s when The Grafton Group was brought in—to gather independent, court-admissible evidence while keeping the emotional well-being of the child as the highest priority. 

The Challenge

Custody investigations require extreme care. The child’s well-being, emotional safety, and legal boundaries had to be respected at every step. The subject was a known manipulator with no criminal history—but a pattern of irresponsibility that wasn’t easily documented.

We had to prove that court-ordered terms were being ignored—without causing emotional harm, triggering retaliation, or breaching Florida’s privacy laws.

How The Grafton Group Responded

We initiated an off-site surveillance strategy, documenting all custody exchanges, overnight stays, and travel patterns for a period of three weeks.

Our team observed multiple violations of the agreed-upon parenting schedule—including extended overnight trips without notice, the presence of unauthorized adults during custody periods, and instances where the child was dropped off late on school nights without proper supervision.

We also coordinated with a licensed forensic interviewer, who helped Jennifer’s legal team understand how to safely document behavioral shifts and prepare for potential child testimony.

Timestamped photos, and direct observations were compiled into a detailed custody violation report suitable for court.

What We Discovered

Our surveillance confirmed that:

• The father frequently left the child in the care of his girlfriend—who had a sealed juvenile criminal record
• Several overnight stays occurred at a residence not disclosed in the custody agreement
• The child was observed unattended at a public park for over 45 minutes
• The father had taken the child out of state without legal notice or co-parent approval

These findings aligned with Jennifer’s concerns—and gave the court clear, defensible reasons to re-evaluate custody.

The Outcome

Jennifer’s legal team filed a motion to modify custody using our documentation as primary evidence. The judge ruled in her favor, granting her full residential custody with supervised visitation for the father until further evaluation.

• Parenting plan formally revised with court approval
• Supervised visitation arranged through a third-party agency
• School counselor and therapist assigned to support the child
• No press coverage or disruption to the child’s routine

Result: Increased safety, emotional stability, and legal protection for both mother and child

Client Perspective (Fictionalized)

“I knew something was wrong—but no one believed me. The Grafton Group gave me proof, and they did it without making my daughter feel afraid. They protected her when I couldn’t.”

— J.C., Mother & Client (name and details changed for privacy)

Custody Battles Aren’t Always About the Past. They’re About Protection

When parenting agreements are ignored, the damage can be quiet but lasting. The Grafton Group works alongside family law attorneys to document violations, uncover hidden risk, and prioritize what matters most: the child.

Call Tim O’Rourke today for a confidential consultation.
We’ll help you build a case that speaks for those too young to.

Call (813) 658-9438 | (727) 648-3510 | (954) 353-8904 | (407) 374-8721 or Request a Private Consultation