Let’s go over the importance of establishing child visitation rights for both parents.
As a parent, you want to give your child a solid foundation of love and support. No matter how separated a family becomes, both parents should remain involved in their child’s life. You can achieve this continued connection through visitation rights. You and your former spouse must determine custody and visitation arrangements regarding your kids. Let’s go over the importance of establishing child visitation rights for both parents.
Types of Custody
The two types of custody are legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody allows the parent to make decisions regarding the child’s upbringing, such as school choice, health, and other aspects of the child’s life. Although legal custody can be given to one parent, courts prefer both parents make decisions about the daily aspects of their child’s life.
The child generally lives full-time with the parent who has physical custody. The other parent will usually have visitation rights. Visitation schedules differ based on the circumstances.
A parent with visitation rights may see the child every other weekend or during school breaks.
What are Visitation Rights?
Visitation rights are the legal arrangement allowing non-custodial parents to visit their children regularly. Occasionally, grandparents, stepparents, or other relatives can also gain visitation.
Visitation is a standard part of any divorce or custody agreement and becomes part of the official parenting plan. The plan specifies the frequency, duration, and location of visits. A visitation agreement typically depends on:
- The child’s age
- The relationship between parent and child
- The non-custodial parent’s proximity to the child
- Any concerns related to the safety or welfare of the child
Courts can order supervised visitation when they believe a parent is unfit. In these scenarios, a social worker must be present during the visits. Defining visitation rights is a necessary process requiring careful consideration and negotiation.
Child visitation is court-ordered, and it cannot be ignored. If one parent does not follow through on visits, they can suffer legal consequences. Alternatively, if a custodial parent tries to block or disrupt visitation, they can also face penalties.
Benefits of Child Visitation
Studies show children prosper from regular contact with the non-custodial parent. They tend to have better overall emotional health and fewer behavioral problems. Visitation allows children to connect with both parents, which is essential for their development. Children feel more secure and stable when parents work together to arrange consistent and reliable visits. Ultimately, when parents prioritize their child’s well-being through visitation, they are helping to create a strong foundation for their child’s future success.
Child visitation also guarantees family members the right to see and maintain contact with their loved ones. This helps parents stay involved when they cannot have full or joint custody. Continued contact with the children is also good for the extended family. It allows them to stay connected to the child through the visiting parents.
The Right Lawyer Can Make All the Difference
Hiring a lawyer should be the first thing you do when encountering any legal matter, not a last resort. Whether you’re thinking about a separation or divorce or have been charged with a crime, been injured in an accident, or your civil rights have been violated, you need to first know your rights. Contact Mike Mastracci today at 614 Edmondson Ave Catonsville, MD 21228 (with satellite offices in Ocean City, Snow Hill, and Salisbury, Maryland), 410-869-3400, and check us out on Facebook.