The divorce process tackles various aspects of the couple’s life. These matters include property division, spousal support and court-ordered arrangements related to child custody.
Visitation is an essential topic discussed during proceedings. A sound visitation plan satisfies the needs of the divorcing couple’s children, giving them stability and meaningful quality time with their parents. It also minimizes the harm caused by the separation according to the child’s circumstances.
A good visitation plan considers the child’s safety while maximizing its benefits, including the following:
- Reduces damage from the divorce
- Gives the child reassurance
- Prevents the child from blaming themselves
- Aids the adjustment to the new family situation
- Motivates parents to adapt
- Provides opportunities to strengthen parent-child relationships
- Helps the divorcing couple to improve their parenting skills
- Allows chances to identify the child’s needs, including developmental, emotional, educational and medical necessities
- Encourages the family to work together
- Gives the court insight into the family’s progressing dynamics
- Grants both parents and children healing and recovery from the grief caused by the separation
However, the court oversees visitation setups to ensure the child’s best interest. Certain factors, such as family conflicts or domestic violence, could affect visitation arrangements.
The court could also order supervised family time or deny it entirely based on the situation.
Other considerations for safe visitations
The court always prioritizes the child’s safety and welfare. They must thoroughly review all aspects of the family situation before enforcing any visitation rules. The court is also responsible for checking the parents’ criminal records and ordering necessary evaluations.
Additionally, the court could regulate visitations and contact based on these findings. They can schedule visitations only during the daytime, require the presence of a qualified supervisor during visitation and identify allowable modes of communication.
