What are the types of parenting time setups in California?

When divorcing, you might need to create a parenting plan if you have a child. This plan is the agreed-upon arrangement that allows you and your former spouse to care for your child. Sometimes, divorcing couples can see eye to eye on how to raise the child. If not, the court may order mediation or finalize decisions to resolve severe disputes between parents.

A parenting plan includes crucial details, such as where they will reside, child custody decisions and a visitation schedule or parenting time. There are various types of parenting time you can adapt based on the situation, such as the following:

• Scheduled: This setup provides exact times and dates divided between parents, considering vacations, occasions and holidays.
• Reasonable: This option is perfect for parents who can seamlessly collaborate and adjust. The arrangement for this plan is very loose and open, allowing flexibility if needed.
• Supervised: This type of arrangement addresses any safety or flight risks that might be present between the child and the other parent. It can also be appropriate if the child will begin spending time with a parent who has been away for a significant amount of time.
• No visitation: The court may not allow parenting time at all if it can cause harm to the child.

This selection of parenting time setups exists to address the unique needs of each family. When discussing parenting time, the court often prioritizes the child’s welfare, forcing you and your former spouse to adjust and meet their needs.

Navigating child-related issues during divorce

Most property-related discussions during divorce are quantifiable, aiding the court to make fair and reasonable decisions. The opposite might be true regarding child custody and parenting time. Instead of making calculations, these topics rely heavily on the child’s needs, the household and how the parties can commit to their parenting responsibilities. During these instances, you and your former spouse might need to compromise and meet halfway to focus on what is most important: your child and their upbringing.