Child Custody & Support
Question:
How much visitation time is allowed the parent without custody?
Answer:
Court guidelines exist that determine the minimum "parent-time" for which a parent of non-custodial rights is entitled, however either party can submit evidence that may be cause for consideration by the court to rule outside the standard guidelines, requesting that more or less parent-time should apply.
Items the court will consider include, but are not limited to:
Any criteria that the court determines is (or is not) in the best interest of the child may be considered to determine "parent-time".
- Incarceration of the non-custodial parent;
- Danger to a child's physical or mental health
- Distance between the residency of the child and the noncustodial parent;
- Special activities or involvement of the noncustodial parent in the school, community, religious organization with the child;
- A lack of demonstrated parenting skills;
- Financial challenges of the noncustodial parent could prevent adequate food and shelter;
- Preference of the child, if determined to be of sufficient maturity;
- Allegations of child abuse, proven or unsubstantiated;
- Flexibility and willingness of the noncustodial parent to care for the child when the custodial parent is working or away from home;
- Failure to consistently meet current parent-time agreements;
- Extended absence or failure to bond;
- Inability to provide for special medical or health related needs (nursing babies, extreme health conditions/equipment, and or skills)
- Any criteria that the court determines is (or is not) in the best interest of the child