Question By: In a divorce, child visitation is a critical issue that requires careful consideration. It involves creating a schedule for the non-custodial parent to spend time with the children. The main goal of child visitation is to maintain a relationship between the children and the non-custodial parent. This helps to ensure that the children receive love and support from both parents, which is crucial for their emotional and psychological well-being.
The following are some of the ways in which child visitation can be handled in divorce:
Agreement between parents – In some cases, the parents can reach an agreement on their own about the schedule and arrangements for child visitation. This agreement should be in writing and approved by a court.
Mediation – If the parents are unable to agree on the terms of child visitation, they may choose to participate in mediation. A neutral third-party mediator will help the parents reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
Court Order – If the parents are unable to reach an agreement through mediation or on their own, the court may issue an order specifying the terms of child visitation. The court will consider the best interests of the children, the relationship between the children and the non-custodial parent, and the parents' schedules when making its decision.
Supervised Visitation – In some cases, the court may order supervised visitation. This means that a neutral third-party supervises the visits between the children and the non-custodial parent. This type of visitation may be ordered if there are concerns about the safety of the children or the behavior of the non-custodial parent.
Alternative Visitation Arrangements – The court may also consider alternative visitation arrangements, such as electronic communication, if the parents live far apart or if the non-custodial parent travels frequently.
However, if the court finds you are not responsible enough or cannot cooperate with your spouse for “joint custody”, then sole decision-making is provided to one parent. Sole decision-making/custody means one parent has the right to decide significant issues in each child’s life.
However, that decision-making does not mean you do not have visitation rights with your child. The schedule set forth in your final Order will decide your parenting time for visitation that the ex-spouses agree to. The court will set the visitation schedule.
Visit https://www.familylawadvocate.com/how-does-the-court-decide-visitation-in-illinois/ for more information.
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