Visitation defines the conditions of contact of the noncustodial parent and the child(ren), which is determined by the courts or agreed upon by both parents. It doesn't give the noncustodial parent permission to conflict with the long range decisions and policies of the legal custodial parent.
Supervised visitation is when the noncustodial parent may only visit with the child(ren) in the company of another person, usually a friend or relative, that both parents agree to act as a chaperon. Supervised visitations often require a specific place and time.
Fixed visitation schedules occur when the court orders visitation for the child(ren), such as times and places for visits with the noncustodial parent. Courts often order a fixed visitation when the hostility between parents is so severe that it's detrimental to the child(ren).
Biological parents, grandparents and step-parents may be awarded visitation rights. The court has the power to deny visitation, normally for a certain time period or until the noncustodial parent performs a certain task.
Pennsylvania recognizes grandparents' right to seek visitation or partial custody of their minor grandchild(ren). Rights may be granted if: at least one of the parents of the child(ren) is deceased, the parents' marriage has been dissolved, the parents have been separated for six months or more, or the child(ren) lived with the grantparents for the proceeding twelve months or more and the child(ren) was/were removed by one of the parents. The court must find that the grandparents' visitation is in the best interest of the child(ren), and that it will not interfere with the child(ren) - parent relationship. The court must consider the amount of personal contact between child(ren) and grandparent prior to granting the grandparent's request.
If you want to discuss visitation in more depth, contact Attorney Margeruite Nealon. We represent you from the mind and heart. Call one of our three Pennsylvania offices to contact us online to schedule a consultation.
