Child custody can be one of the most contentious and difficult issues to resolve when a couple chooses to get a divorce. In California, parents can share custody of their children, or one parent may be granted sole custody. When a parent does not have custodial rights over their children, they may have the right to seek visitation time with them.
What is visitation?
Visitation is not the same thing as custody. A parent with visitation rights does not have their child living in their home with them. Because separation can create strains on parent-child relationships, visitation gives noncustodial parents opportunities to be with and have experiences with their kids.
What types of visitation exist?
The main two types of visitation in California are supervised and unsupervised visitation. Unsupervised visitation allows a parent to be with their kids without the other parent present or anyone else observing them. Supervised visitation generally happens in the presence of the third party and is often ordered if the health or safety of the child could be threatened by their noncustodial parent.
How does visitation work if a parent lives out of state from their child?
Maintaining a relationship with one’s child can be tough after a divorce, especially when the noncustodial parent has to move away from the child’s hometown. While it may be possible to have some type of in-person visitation, virtual visitation is also an option for this difficult situation. Virtual visitation allows families to use technology, such as computers, smartphones, and other devices, to stay connected. Virtual visitation can involve texting, video and audio calls, email, and other formats.
The end of a martial relationship can affect every member of the family. Children and their custody are often paramount concerns for parents and maintaining closeness can be next to impossible when children and parents live apart. A family law attorney can walk a parent through their custodial and visitation options, and readers should seek their own legal advice. This post offers information only and no legal guidance.