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Visitation:

 

Visitation, or parenting time, refers to the non-custodial parents established time to be with the child. Visitation can be decided by the courts or by the parents, depending on the circumstances of the situation. 

There are two types of visitation: fixed visitation and reasonable visitation.  Fixed visitation involves a schedule for visitation that is more or less set in stone.  Often times, the courts will dictate the times and locations for these visits.  Fixed visitation is sometimes ordered when the parent’s relationship is so intense and hostile that it is unhealthy for the child.  Reasonable visitation leaves the details of the visits up to the parents to establish.  There are many factors to think about when deciding on visitation schedules, including:  child’s age, child’s emotional well-being, amount of time a child will spend bouncing from one home to the other home, school activities, extra curricular activities, social life, parents work schedule, holiday and vacation schedules, location of each parents residence and what is in the best interest of the child.  Parents may end up trying several arrangements before they find one that suits all parties involved.  The custodial parent usually has more control over the times, dates and lengths of visits.  A custodial parent who is not flexible and cooperative does not look. 

Visitations can be unsupervised or supervised.  Unsupervised visitation is where the non-custodial parent can visit with their child without the presence of another individual.  Supervised Visitation requires visits to be supervised by another adult or professional.  This type of visitation is often necessary when there are concerns of the non-custodial parent being abusive or harmful to the child.

Making visitations successful is up to you and your child’s other parent.  Even if you and the other parent do not get along, this does not have to impact your child’s visitations.  Below are some suggestions to make your visitations more successful.

·         Keep your feelings in check. 

·         Avoid arguing and rehashing old conflicts. 

·         Bad mouthing each other benefits no one. 

·         Give children a space of there own in each residence. 

·         Encourage your child to develop a good relationship with the other parent and extended family members. 

·         Honor visitation schedules.  Be flexible when possible.  Avoid canceling scheduled visits.

·         Children should not be questioned about the other parent.  Ask about the visit, not what the other parent does.

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Child Custody Topics: (click on each for description)

 

Types of Child Custody

Modification to Child Custody Orders

Common Visitation Arrangements

Long-Distance Custody Issues

Non-Custodial Parent

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