When parents separate or divorce, one of the most important elements of the process is their ability to maintain a strong relationship with their children. Regarding family law matters that involve children, the court has broad discretion to order visitation that aligns with the child’s best interest. Depending on the logistical complexity of your circumstances, there may be instances where a standard visitation schedule will not work. This is precisely the reason behind publishing this blog. These are the scenarios where specialized visitation agreements can come into play. They can offer tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of the involved children and parents.
What are Specialized Visitation Agreements?
Specialized visitation agreements refer to custom visitation schedules that address the needs of the parents and children. For example, one parent may live out of state, or the child may have special needs. In some instances, one parent may have a history of domestic violence. A specialized visitation agreement could be created to ensure the child’s safety because both parents will be with the child simultaneously.
When you go through a divorce, you may have tremendous anxiety about your future relationship with your child. Concerns about being “replaced” by a step-parent or forgotten are common. The parent forced to live out of state because of work may worry about their relationship deteriorating or that their absence will have a long-term, negative impact on their child. The point of the matter is that despite your circumstances, remember that there are ways to create a schedule that allows the noncustodial parent to have frequent contact with the child during breaks, summer vacations, or other available times.
The Role of the Family Law Attorney
A family law attorney will be key to navigating specialized visitation agreements. We deliberately didn’t dive into too much detail in the previous sections because there are too many variables and scenarios to consider. When you speak with an attorney, they will help you understand your rights and options. As you learn more about your legal rights, you can better understand how to create a specialized visitation agreement that meets your needs. Here are some things it may address:
- Frequently and duration of visits
- Location of visits
- Transportation arrangements
- Communication between the parents and the child
- Financial support for the child
Before an agreement can be finalized, there will likely be many discussions between your attorney and your spouse’s attorney. Negotiating with the other parent establishes a fair and mutually agreeable visitation schedule. Your attorney will also be fundamental in preparing a court petition for a specialized visitation schedule to be presented before a judge, if necessary. Lastly, there may be instances where negotiations are unsuccessful. An attorney will represent you and advocate for your interests in court.
Become EmpoweredSpecialized visitation agreements can be crucial in ensuring you can have quality time with your child. If you are considering one and want to learn more about them, contact Empower Law Group today to schedule your consultation. Let us help you create the one that meets your family’s needs.
Empower Law Group
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