When going through a divorce or establishing co-parenting routines, getting clarity around visitation schedules is vital. This blog will give a brief overview on the types of visitation schedules and what they mean.
Different states have varying laws which need to be considered, but it’s also important to know the differences in terms such as “fixed visitation” and “reasonable visitation”.
What is “reasonable visitation”?
Reasonable visitation is a ruling that states that the specifics around how much visitation time a parent will get should be decided by the parents of the child. This is a preferred option when the parents have a good level of communication and cooperation.
What is a “fixed visitation” schedule?
A fixed schedule is generally when the judge comes to a conclusion of certain times and possibly places where a visitation must take place. A fixed visitation schedule is usually put in place when an attempt to have a reasonable visitation plan has not worked out because of lack of cooperation from the parents. It may also be put into place if a previous visitation schedule has not worked well. The courts want to make sure that any plan is in the best interests of the child, and may put a fixed visitation schedule into place to ensure stability for the child.
The court always try to ensure that any visitation schedule put into place is in the best interests of the child. However, if you believe that a visitation schedule needs to be modified, it is important to seek trusted legal advice so that you can consider the best way forward.
Source: Findlaw, “Parental Visitation rights FAQ,” accessed July 21, 2017
