Visitation is the schedule or right of a noncustodial parent or other legally recognized person to spend time with a child.
Why It Matters
Visitation matters because family-law courts often must structure ongoing parent-child contact after separation. The details of visitation can affect daily life, stability, travel, school schedules, and long-term parenting relationships.
Where It Appears
Visitation appears in custody orders, divorce cases, paternity matters, guardianship-related proceedings, and post-judgment modification disputes.
Practical Example
A court awards one parent primary custody and sets a regular weekend and holiday schedule for the other parent’s time with the child. That schedule is visitation.
How It Differs From Nearby Terms
Child custody concerns broader legal and physical decision-making or residential arrangements. Visitation focuses more specifically on scheduled parenting time or access. Best interests of the child is the standard often used to decide the arrangement.
Related Terms
Knowledge Check
- What does visitation usually refer to? It usually refers to scheduled parenting time or access with a child.
- How is visitation different from custody? Visitation focuses on time with the child, while custody is a broader concept about legal and residential arrangements.