Simple Divorce Papers

Child visitation, also known as child access is generally looked upon as the right of the child to spend time with the parent with whom the child does not usually reside. Child psychologists agree that it is important for a child’s psychological well-being that he or she be able to maintain a positive relationship with both parents after separation.

As a result most judges will only place limits on access if they are convinced that the limits are necessary for the child’s welfare. Usually it is best to leave visitation schedules and other details up to the parents to decide between themselves. In other cases a detailed access schedule imposed by the court is necessary. Much depends upon the ability of the parents to put aside their differences and deal with each other in a responsible manner for the sake of the children.

Visitation schedules should take into consideration the age of the child, the quality of the relationship between the child and the access parent and such factors as the distance between the child’s residence and the residence of the access parent, the parents’ work schedules, and the child’s other activities.

Visitation orders can be very simple or more detailed depending on what the parents decide and what the court believes is best for the children. Court orders often simply direct the parents to decide for themselves what is reasonable. In other cases an court order may include a schedule of days, holidays, times, manner of transportation, what clothing and toys accompany the children and whether phone calls to the other parent are allowed.

In some circumstances, where there is concern about possible abuse or neglect, a parent’s access visits may need to be supervised. In such cases the parents may be permitted to decide who will do the supervision, or a supervisor may be appointed by the court. Often this depends on the financial resources available to the parents or whether programs exist for the courts to utilize. Access supervisors should play as passive a role in the visits as appropriate so that the parent and children can have as normal an interaction as possible.