How Does the Court Decide on Visitation Schedules?

The idea of a court deciding your visitation schedule can feel daunting, even intimidating. However, you can rest assured that the court determines visitation schedules based on the child’s best interests. This means judges don’t apply a one-size-fits-all rule when deciding visitation schedules. They look at various factors to create a stable and nurturing environment that supports your child’s health, safety, and emotional well-being.

At Burch & Stewart Attorneys, our seasoned custody and visitation lawyers in Manchester, TN, can effectively present your unique circumstances, negotiate a fair and practical schedule, and ensure your child’s well-being and parental rights are fully protected throughout this complex process.

A Child Visitation Schedule Based on Your Child’s Best Interests

Under the law, judges must consider several factors when deciding visitation or parenting time. These include each parent’s relationship with the child, their caregiving history, their ability to meet the child’s needs, and any concerns about abuse or instability. However, it’s not just about ticking boxes. It’s about what makes sense for your specific situation.

To illustrate, let’s say one of you has been the primary caregiver while the other parent travels frequently for work. In this scenario, the court may lean toward giving your child a more consistent schedule with the stay-at-home parent while ensuring the other parent has meaningful time to maintain a bond. On the other hand, if you and your co-parent have been equally involved in caring for your child and live close to one another, the court may consider a 50/50 parenting schedule.

While there’s no default parenting plan schedule, many plans follow a standard format, including alternating weekends, one mid-week evening visit, and time split during holidays and summer breaks. However, judges may get creative if needed. For instance, a parent working night shifts may have morning visitation instead of weekends. Remember, the goal is to create stability for your child, not just fairness for you and your co-parent.

How an Attorney Can Help You and Your Child

Working with a family law attorney gives you an advantage during custody negotiations, mediation, or court proceedings. They will:

Help you prepare a parenting plan that reflects your involvement and protects your rights
Gather and present evidence showing your strengths as a parent
Address concerns like substance abuse, domestic violence, or inconsistent parenting by the other parent, if applicable
Negotiate with the other party’s lawyer to find a workable solution
Represent you in court if needed, and ensure your voice is heard

In addition, if your situation changes, like if one parent moves or your child’s needs evolve, your lawyer can help you request a modification to the parenting plan. While the law allows for modifications when there’s a material change in circumstances, you must show why the adjustment benefits your child.

Let Our Seasoned Child Visitation Attorneys Serve You

The parenting plan you establish will profoundly impact your child’s life and your relationship with them for years to come. To learn how our visitation lawyers in Manchester, TN, can help, schedule your free consultation at (931) 954-1066 or online. We can guide you through this complex process and help you advocate for a parenting plan that truly works for your family.