Visitation refers to the legal right of a non-custodial parent to spend time with their child. This arrangement is typically established in custody agreements during divorce, annulment, or separation proceedings. The primary goal of visitation is to serve the child's best interests, ensuring they maintain a relationship with both parents whenever possible.
Visitation is primarily used in family law, particularly in custody cases. It outlines the schedule and conditions under which a non-custodial parent can see their child. Legal documents, such as divorce agreements, often detail visitation rights, and these can be modified by mutual consent or court order. Users can manage visitation arrangements through legal forms, which can be prepared using templates provided by resources like US Legal Forms.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A father who does not have physical custody of his child may have a visitation schedule that allows him to see the child every other weekend and one evening during the week.
Example 2: In a situation where a parent has a history of substance abuse, the court may order supervised visitation, requiring the parent to meet their child in a public place with a supervisor present (hypothetical example).
| State | Visitation Guidelines |
|---|---|
| California | Visitation rights are generally granted unless they are deemed harmful to the child. |
| Texas | Standard visitation schedules are often provided, but modifications can be made based on circumstances. |
| New York | Visitation can be restricted or supervised based on the best interest of the child. |
This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
| Term | Definition | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Custody | The legal right to make decisions for a child and have physical care of them. | Custody involves living arrangements, while visitation pertains to time spent with the child. |
| Supervised Visitation | Visitation that occurs in the presence of a third party. | Supervised visitation is a specific type of visitation with restrictions for safety. |
If you are a non-custodial parent seeking visitation rights, or if you need to modify an existing visitation agreement, consider the following steps:
Browse our library of 85,000+ state-specific legal templates.
Yes, visitation can be denied if it is determined to be harmful to the child.