Location: California and Utah
My ex and I share joint legal custody of our 15-year-old son. During his custody week, he flew our son to a private “behavior modification” program in Utah without telling me.
I found out when the school contacted me about several unexplained absences. The program confirmed my son is there, but staff refuse to let me speak with him. They say only the parent who signed the contract can approve calls, visits, or discharge.
Our custody order says major medical and educational decisions must be made jointly. My ex claims this is neither because the facility calls itself a boarding program.
Utah police told me it was a civil custdy matter and would not intervene. My California attorney cannot get a hearing until next week. Is there any legal process in Utah that could require the facility to let me contact or retrieve my son sooner?