Child Visitation

How will the visitation schedule be decided?

The court will use many determining factors in the deciding visitation schedule; such as, age, gender, and stage of development of the child; emotional, social, and educational needs; health welfare and safety of the child; the level of communication and cooperation between the parents; parenting ability and the psychological adjustment of the parents as well as other factors.  It is imperative for the child to have continuous and frequent contact with both parents. 

What is Supervised Visitation?

Supervised Visitation is ordered due to special circumstances, when the court feels there is a need to protect a child due to neglect and/ or abuse, family violence, drug or alcohol problems, or even if a child is reconnecting with an absent parent.  Visitation is limited to special situations in which a third party or outside agency, monitors said visitations per the courts request.

What if my child does not want to go and see his dad/mom for a scheduled visit?

It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure and encourage that the child goes for all court ordered visitation. 

What if my ex and I agree on changing a scheduled visitation date/time?

If both parties are in agreement to the change, it is fine.  If one of the parties does not agree, the court ordered visitation schedule should be followed.  Since the change is not documented with the court, it is not enforceable.

The other parent will not let me see my child(ren) for a scheduled visit, what can I do?

If there is a court order you can contact the police and see if they can temporarily enforce the existing order. For a reoccurring problem, you may need to bring an action in front of the court to enforce the order.

What do I do if a parent/child does not show for a court ordered visitation?

You may file a violation report with the police department that has jurisdiction over the visitation area.  Recurrent violations of the court ordered schedule may require a change in court order regarding visitation, custody as well as child support especially if the failure of the other party creates greater problems such as the primary caretaker missing work and incurring greater daycare costs.  In this case, the parties would need to return to court to enforce the current order or modify said orders.

www.occourts.org/family/parenting.pdf