Most couples enter into a marriage believing that they are in it for the long run. Sadly, turning this vision into a reality is simply not possible sometimes. When left with no other option than a divorce, there are many issues that you and your former partner will need to resolve. Child custody will most likely come at the top of that list.
In general, the courts prefer to see both parents involved in the upbringing of their children. However, the key factor will always be what is in the best interests of the child. As a noncustodial parent, you still have a legal right to see your children. Outlined below are the different types of visitation orders in California.
Scheduled visitation
Structure and routine can be beneficial to children. For this reason, scheduled visitation orders tend to be popular with parents and the courts. This type of visitation allows for the allocation of specific dates and times that each parent will spend with their children.
Supervised visitation
Occasionally, a parent might be going through a hard time which means they require some support when visiting their child. Supervised visits allow parent-child communications to take place in a safe and structured environment. Supervised visitation is commonly utilized when parents and children have become estranged, until they are able to rejuvenate their relationship.
Reasonable visitation
Reasonable visitation is a less structured approach that allows parents to make joint decisions over the time to be spent with the children. This type of approach tends to work well for parents who still remain close after a divorce. However, it is important to note that this flexible approach leaves room for disagreements, should the relationship of both parents take a turn for the worst.
No visitation
In rare and extreme cases, the court may decide that it is not in the best interests of a child to see one parent at all. This is typically a last resort and will only be enforced if the physical and emotional well-being of the child is in jeopardy.
As a parent in California, you have a legal right to be involved in the lives of your children. If you feel that your rights as a parent have been violated, there may be legal options available to you.