When one parent has sole physical custody (the “custodial” or “residential” parent), the other parent usually has regularly scheduled time with the child as well (the “non-custodial” or “non-residential” parent). For many years, this time was known as “visitation,” but recently there’s been a shift to calling it “parenting time” instead. This reflects the fact that parents who don’t have custody of their children are still parenting them, even if they don’t live with them most of the time, rather than just “visiting” with the kids.
Parents may have joint legal custody even if they don’t have joint physical custody. That means the parent has the right to participate in decisions affecting the child, regardless of how much time the child spends with the non-custodial parent. This is often the case when parents live far apart so that the child sees the non-custodial parent less frequently, but the parent is still very much involved in the child’s life.
What's In a Name? Child Custody Terms Explained
The word "visitation" isn't finding favor with some parents.
How to Deal with an Ex-Spouse Withholding Child Visitation
Unfortunately, some divorced parents just can't seem to co-parent successfully.
What to Do If My Child Refuses Visitation
There's not a lot of tolerance when a child exercises their willpower by refusing visitation. As a parent you may feel like your hands are tied, especially after a divorce or separation. Learn more about what to do when a child refuses visitation.
Interference With Child Visitation Rights
There are legal consequences of interfering with the visitation rights of the other parent. Here's how it works in New Jersey.
Find out how Ohio courts decide child visitation issues.
Learn about visitation rights for the non-custodial spouse, as well as other family members.
Grandparent Visitation Rights in Michigan
Learn the details of how grandparents can earn child visitation rights in Michigan.