Visitation Rights

When one parent has primary physical custody, the other parent typically receives visitation rights — a structured schedule for spending time with their child. Visitation can be as simple as alternating weekends or as detailed as a week-by-week schedule including holidays, school breaks, and birthdays. The goal is to ensure the child maintains a meaningful relationship with both parents.

Courts generally favor generous visitation unless there's a reason to limit contact — like a history of domestic violence, substance abuse, or child endangerment. Standard visitation might mean every other weekend plus one evening per week; liberal visitation might mean equal time with both parents. The specific arrangement depends on the parents' work schedules, the child's age and needs, and geographic proximity.

Visitation rights are legally enforceable. If the custodial parent blocks court-ordered visitation without a valid reason, they can be held in contempt of court. Similarly, a non-custodial parent who fails to pick up the child or disappears can have their visitation modified. If your co-parenting situation changes, you can return to court to modify the visitation order.

Visitation rights protect your child's relationship with both parents. Research consistently shows that children do best when they have stable, loving relationships with both parents after divorce. Understanding your visitation rights — and taking them seriously — is one of the most important things you can do for your child's long-term wellbeing.

If you're the non-custodial parent, document your visitation times and any interference by the other parent. If visitation is being withheld, you can file a motion to enforce the order — not just to assert your rights, but because your child needs that consistency and connection.