Custody and Visitation

If you’re facing a divorce and you have children, this should probably your main concern. The biggest conflict in a divorce case is child custody and visitation.

Avoiding further disagreement or hostility

Custody and visitation rights of your children are delicate matters which may cause a great amount of disagreement or hostility between both parents. It is vital that you both plan out a flexible visitation arrangement during the process of your divorce in order to avoid arguments in the future when you meet one another to have time with the kids.

As much as possible, it is important to avoid this type of scenario for the sake of your children. Being exposed to arguments of this type may cause severe trauma to young children. The fact that they are actually the subject of the disputes can even lead to further remorse or guilt on your child’s part. Of course, you do not want your children feeling guilt for matters that are not their fault.

State guidelines regarding child visitation

In order for children to have quality time with both parents after a divorce, there are guidelines in each state regarding the minimum period of time a parent may have with his/her child for visitation. These guidelines were created with the child in mind. In the past, issues between former husband and wife have gotten in the way of visitation time.

How can I adjust changes in visitation?

If you have custody of your child and you think that exposure to his/her other parent has a negative effect on him/her, you may not call off visitation time by yourself. A court order shall be required to adjust any changes in visitation. Any possible harm to the child will be investigated profusely.

What could possibly suspend a parent’s visitation rights?

Any forms of substance abuse, physical abuse, or sexual harm may suspend a parent’s visitation rights. If the court does not suspend these rights fully, it may require another adult’s presence during visitation along with the parent him/herself.

What if I am falsely accused of charges against my visitation rights?

There have been cases where desperate parents have even made up abuse charges in order to push away the other parent from their child. Luckily, there are organizations which can provide support for those who fall victim to false accusations of abuse by another parent. One example is Victims of Child Abuse Laws. If you find yourself being falsely accused of child abuse by the other parent, seek out professional advice from a lawyer or legal help from online sources.

Hope Ocampo is a staff writer for Divorce Guide, a one-stop information resource for news, articles and advice about divorce.