VISITATION/PARENTING TIME
Arrangements regarding when and how the children will spend time with each parent are referred to as “Parenting Time” in Arizona. Parenting Time is when a parent has the right to have a child physically placed with the parent and the right and responsibility to make, during that placement, routine daily decisions regarding the child’s care.
When parents divorce, the courts generally rule in favor of a parenting plan that allows both parents to have as much access to the children as possible. Disputes over Legal Decision Making (custody) and Parenting Time are decided according to the best interests of the children, so courts often award one parent physical custody of the child and the other Parenting Time. In most cases, the non-custodial parent will be granted a substantial amount of time with the child, although the majority of the child’s time will be spent with the custodial parent. The court may decide Parenting Time or the parents may reach an agreement.
Alternatively, the court may order Supervised Parenting Time in cases where the visiting parent has substance abuse, domestic violence or other issues which limits his/her ability to provide a safe environment in which to spend time with the child. With Supervised Parenting Time, contact between the parent and child occurs with a third person present who is responsible for observing the parent/child interactions and who seeks to ensure the safety of those involved.
At Onisile Law Firm we know how important it is for you to play a meaningful role in your children’s lives and we will fight for your right to obtain a favorable Parenting Time arrangement for you and your child.
