If you are denied scheduled visitation, new laws are protecting you. In 2026, Oklahoma law will have become much stricter regarding communication between parents. If you are a noncustodial parent and you miss your scheduled visitation without proper notice, you are no longer just “being unreliable”—you are likely violating a specific state mandate.

Under the 2026 legislative updates (specifically SB 970), here are the legal consequences for failing to notify the other parent when you cannot make your visitation.

1. The Mandatory Notice Requirement

As of late 2025/early 2026, Oklahoma law now explicitly requires a noncustodial parent to notify the custodial parent if they are unable to comply with court-ordered visitation.

• The Scope: This applies to any missed time, whether it’s a weekend, a holiday, or a simple midweek dinner.
• The “No Explanation” Right: Interestingly, the law provides a privacy shield. While you must give notice that you are missing the visit, you are generally not required to disclose the reason (such as medical issues or work conflicts) unless a judge specifically orders you to do so.

2. Indirect Contempt of Court

The most immediate legal consequence of a Denied Scheduled Visitation without providing notice is a charge of Indirect Contempt of Court.

Because visitation is a court order, failing to follow the “notice” provision of that order is treated as a willful violation.

• Fines: You may be ordered to pay a fine to the court.
• Attorney Fees: You will likely be ordered to pay the custodial parent’s legal fees for having to bring the matter to court.
• Jail Time: While rare for a first offense, repeated “no-shows” without notice can result in up to six months in county jail.

3. Modification of Custody (The “Status Quo” Risk)

In Oklahoma, judges value stability. If a noncustodial parent habitually misses visitation without notice, the court may view this as a “material change in circumstances.”

• Reduction in Time: The court may decide that the current schedule is “unworkable” and reduce your visitation time to match what you are actually exercising.
• Supervised Visitation: If the “no-shows” are causing emotional distress to the child (e.g., the child is waiting on the porch with a packed bag), a judge may implement supervised or restricted visitation to prevent future disappointment.

4. Financial Reimbursement

If your failure to notify the other parent caused them to incur costs, the court can order you to reimburse them. Common examples in Creek County cases include:

• Childcare Costs: If the custodial parent had to hire a last-minute sitter because you didn’t show up.
• Transportation Costs: If the custodial parent drove the child to a meeting point and you weren’t there.

Summary of Consequences (2026)

Violation	Potential Legal Outcome
First-time failure to notify	Likely a warning or “make-up” time for the other parent.
Repeated “No-Shows”	Motion for Contempt; payment of other parent’s attorney fees.
Notice given, but frequent misses	Possible modification to a more restricted visitation schedule.
No notice + Child distress	Potential move toward Supervised Visitation or Sole Custody for the other parent.

Contact a Creek County Visitation Attorney

If you are a non-custodial parent in and you are Denied Scheduled Visitation without notice, the law is on your side. When you are facing child custody and visitation issues in Creek County, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Whether you are dealing with a complex family law dispute in Sapulpa, the child custody attorneys at Kania Law – Creek County are here to provide the aggressive, localized representation you deserve. We understand the specific procedures of the Creek County District Court and are committed to protecting your rights and your future. For a free consultation with Kania Law – Creek County Attorneys Call us today at 918-209-3709. Or if you like, you can ask a free online legal question by following this link.