If you’re a non-custodial parent going through a divorce, it can be difficult to maintain a meaningful relationship with your child. Luckily, visitation rights allow you to stay involved in your child’s life and promote their well-being. In Arizona, these rights are designed to encourage ongoing parental involvement and ensure that children have the chance to maintain a relationship with both parents. By understanding your visitation rights, you can be a consistent presence in your child’s life and support them regardless of changes in family dynamics.
What Are Visitation Rights?
Visitation rights, referred to in Arizona as “parenting time,” enable a non-custodial parent to spend time with their child. These rights are distinct from legal custody, which involves decision-making authority over the child’s welfare. In Arizona, visitation schedules are crafted to foster and maintain a healthy parent-child relationship, even when the child primarily resides with one parent. These rights allow you to stay connected with your child and ensure that your time together is legally recognized and protected.
How Visitation is Determined
In Arizona, the determination of visitation schedules is guided by the best interest of the child. Courts consider several factors, including the child’s age, health, and emotional needs, as well as each parent’s living situation, relationship history with the child, and ability to provide a stable environment. The goal is to create a visitation plan that supports the child’s development and maintains strong familial bonds. Regular schedules, holiday arrangements, and special occasions are all taken into account to ensure that both parents remain involved in the child’s life.
Types of Visitation Arrangements
Several types of visitation arrangements can be established, depending on the family’s specific needs and circumstances:
- Unsupervised Visitation: The most common form of visitation, where the non-custodial parent spends time alone with the child without restrictions.
- Supervised Visitation: Required when there are concerns about the child’s safety or the parent-child relationship. Visits occur in the presence of an appointed supervisor.
- Virtual Visitation: Involves contact through video calls or other digital means. It’s especially useful when parents live far apart.
- Therapeutic Visitation: Sometimes ordered when a parent and child need assistance from a therapist to improve their relationship during visits.
Modifying Visitation Rights
Visitation rights can be modified if significant changes in circumstances warrant an update to the existing arrangement. Common reasons for seeking a modification include relocation, changes in work schedules, and shifts in the child’s needs or preferences. To alter visitation terms, a parent must demonstrate that the changes are in the child’s best interest and will better support their development and welfare. This process often requires submitting a petition to the court detailing the reasons for the requested modification.
Legal Assistance with Visitation Rights
Securing competent legal representation is vital when dealing with visitation rights. A knowledgeable family law attorney can provide crucial guidance through the complexities of family court procedures. They can help you craft a visitation schedule that meets your child’s needs and advocate for your rights as a parent. Whether you are establishing, modifying, or enforcing visitation rights, having an experienced lawyer by your side can make a significant difference in achieving a favorable outcome that supports your continued relationship with your child.
Contact Our Experienced Phoenix Child Custody Attorney
Cohen Family Law is dedicated to helping you maintain a strong bond with your child through fair and practical visitation arrangements. Our experienced attorneys understand Arizona family law and are committed to advocating for your parental rights. Contact Cohen Family Law today to discuss how we can assist you in securing a visitation schedule that works for you and your child.
