Divorced parents who share custody of children often face many challenges, especially when it comes to determining when each parent spends time with their children. Sometimes, finalizing these arrangements can be difficult. However, in many cases, healthy parental relationships help make these child custody issues easier.
Common types of parental visitations for divorced parents
Parental visitation arrangements can vary widely among divorced parents, encompassing a range of schedules and arrangements to ensure both parents maintain meaningful relationships with their children.
Here are some common types of parental visitations:
- Regularly Scheduled Weekly Visits: These visits occur on a set schedule, such as every other weekend or specific weekdays, allowing children to spend consistent time with each parent.
- Alternating Weekends: Parents may alternate weekends, allowing each to have the children stay with them every other weekend, providing regular time for bonding and activities.
- Mid-Week Dinners: Some agreements include mid-week dinners where the children spend an evening with one parent during the week, providing additional opportunities for parental involvement.
- Alternating Holidays: Holidays are often divided between parents, with children spending specific holidays with each parent on a rotating basis to ensure equitable time with both sides of the family.
- School Vacations: Parental visitation may extend to school vacations, such as spring or winter breaks, allowing children to spend extended time with each parent during these periods.
- Summer Breaks: Extended visitation periods during summer breaks allow children to spend more time with each parent, engage in activities, and create lasting memories.
While these arrangements are typically outlined in the divorce agreement, disputes may arise, necessitating timely resolution to ensure the best interests of the children are met. Seeking legal guidance can help parents navigate custody issues and reach amicable solutions that prioritize the well-being of the children.
What are common parental visitation issues?
Conflicts involving parental visitation issues can cover a wide variety, including:
- Last-minute unapproved changes to parental visitations.
- Arriving late to pick up or drop off a child from the other parent.
- Violating an existing child custody agreement between both parents.
- Taking a child without approval from the other parent.
- Engaging in activities with children not approved by the other parent during a parental visitation.
Many other child custody issues often come up between divorced parents. In each case, parents need to know what to do and how to resolve these issues without escalating the conflict.
What can divorced parents do to foster healthy relationships?
One of the easiest and most effective ways parents can avoid issues involving parental visitations is to talk with each other. Communication can help diffuse potential conflicts and misunderstandings. And often, the sooner parents discuss these issues, the better. Otherwise, tensions can arise, especially during a last-minute child custody issue.
Another factor to consider when discussing such issues is to keep the conversation positive. Don’t criticize the other parent. Try to focus on solutions rather than rehashing old arguments. We realize these discussions can be difficult for many divorced parents. But remember, it’s about your children and what’s best for them.
What legal options are available to parents involving parental visitation issues?
Every situation is different, especially when it comes to child custody issues involving parental visitation rights. In many cases, several legal options may be available to resolve these conflicts. Often, the best way to know which option is right for you is to talk with an experienced divorce lawyer who thoroughly understands the child custody laws in your state.
In West Virginia, a child custody attorney at Klie Law Offices can help you every step of the way. We know how to handle complex family law matters because we have been helping parents navigate challenging child custody issues for years throughout West Virginia.
Partner with a law firm that can help you find your way forward. Contact us and schedule an appointment. Our law firm has offices conveniently located in Buckhannon and Parkersburg, West Virginia.
