Child Visitation

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.

Grandparent Visitation Laws in Your State

Child Visitation Disputes

How to Deal With an Ex Who's Withholding Child Visitation

Learn about your rights to parenting time and how you can enforce those rights when the other parent won't let you see your child.
What To Do If a 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.

State-Specific Articles About Child 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.
Visitation Rights in Illinois: FAQ

You probably have questions about your right to spend time with your kids after a divorce. Find the answers here.

More Legal Topics

Considering Divorce?

Talk to a Divorce attorney.

We've helped 85 clients find attorneys today.

Full Name

Full Name is required

Email

Email is required

Please enter a valid Email

Phone

Phone Number is required

Please enter a valid Phone Number

Zip Code

Zip Code is required

Please add a valid Zip Code

Please enter a valid Case Description

Description is required

By submitting this form I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to be contacted by Internet Brands Legal, and up to three attorneys regarding this request and to receiving relevant marketing messages by automated means, text and/or prerecorded messages at the number provided. Consent is not required as a condition of service,

click here

to agree without providing consent to be contacted by automated means, text and/or prerecorded messages. Rates may apply.

You should not send any sensitive or confidential information through this site. Any information sent through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship and may not be treated as privileged or confidential. Information you provide on this site is subject to our privacy policy. The lawyer or law firm you are contacting is not required to, and may choose not to, accept you as a client. The Internet is not necessarily secure and emails sent through this site could be intercepted or read by third parties.

How It Works

Briefly tell us about your case
Provide your contact information
Choose attorneys to contact you