Three Tips for Creating a Child Visitation Schedule

Once a couple establishes their child custody agreement, they can proceed to craft a visitation agreement and schedule. This plan could be agreed upon by the parents or created by the court. Here are three tips that you should consider when creating a child visitation schedule:

Tip # 1 – You Should Include Three Schedules According to New Jersey State Laws

As stated by New Jersey state law, a child visitation schedule should include:

• A residential schedule that specifies the days and times the child will spend with each parent
• A schedule for holidays and special occasions
• A vacation schedule that allows extra time to spend with parents during school breaks and adult vacation times

Tip # 2 – Be Careful Not to Violate Custody or Parenting Time Orders

Visitation schedules become court orders even if they are agreed to by the parents. Consequently, any deviation from the schedule or custody agreement is considered to be a violation of a court order.

Court violations entail serious consequences for the at-fault parent. These consequences may include:

• Monetary fines
• Make-up parenting time
• Changes in existing arrangements and parenting time
• Mandatory community service
• Arrest and imprisonment

Given the potential risks of a violation, parents should make sure to review the details within their visitation agreement and respect the other person’s rights.

Tip # 3 – Know that Visitation Rights are Highly Protected by New Jersey Courts and Legislature

Since New Jersey law dictates that non-custodial parents typically have a constitutional right to visit their children, it is very difficult to terminate their visitation rights completely. Barring any extreme circumstances, courts typically aim to preserve the child’s contact with both parents and serve the best interests of the child.

An experienced divorce lawyer could help you navigate New Jersey laws concerning custody and parenting time. This may allow you to create a mutually beneficial custody arrangement and visitation plan that will serve the best interests of the child while keeping in mind the needs and wants of both parents.

Contact a Skilled Attorney for Help with Child Visitation and Child Custody Agreements

If you have any questions or concerns about New Jersey child custody or visitation laws, a knowledgeable family lawyer could help. For more information about the process of a child custody arrangement and creating a child visitation schedule, call the accomplished family law attorneys at Moskowitz Law Group and schedule a free case evaluation today.