Four Wrong Reasons For Changing Visitation Rights

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Four Wrong Reasons For Changing Visitation Rights

14 July 2015
 Categories: Law, Blog


Few things are as complicated as child custody and visitation schedules. You need to balance the requirements of the courts, your personal plans, and also consider the best interests of the child. Thus, it's not wise to change the schedule when you already have a working formula or has gotten used to the court order. You should only make a change if it necessary and furthers the interests of the child. Some of the wrong reasons for changing a schedule include:

1. You Have Different Parenting Styles

Suppose you are a laid back dad or mom who isn't too concerned about whether your children finish their art project before they can go outside to play. Suppose that the other parent is a strict overachiever who has a timetable for everything – from play time to nap time. Does this mean that you can change the custody or visitation schedule so that the children can benefit from your "superior parenting style?"

The emphatic answer here is no because different parenting styles exist; and it's not east to definitively confirm that yours is the best that everybody should follow. You used to make it work while you were together; you should also do your best to make it work now that you are separated. As long as the child is safe, then you shouldn't worry too much. Only get concerned when his or her well-being is concerned, for example if the other parent abuses him or her in the name of discipline.

2. Your Child is Fed Up with the Other Parent

So you want to change the visitation schedules because your son or daughter says she would rather spend the weekends with you? That would not be a wise move to make; the child isn't in charge of the visitation. Sure, your child's views are important because they help you understand what is going on in his or her life, but they don't get to choose what to do and what to avoid.

If the child wants a change, talk to him or her about his or her reasons. After that, sit down with the other aren't and come up with the best solution. In fact, you shouldn't get caught in your child's generalized complaints about the other parent. Only get involved if the problem is real and serious, for example, if he or she left the child (who is young) alone at home.

3. Your Relatives Want the Child

Just because the child's grandparents want to live with the child doesn't mean that you have to reduce your former spouse's visitation schedule. Sure, your well-meaning parents may the sort of people who believe that you can't raise a child while living apart from your husband or wife, but the decision isn't theirs to make. If you change the rules of the game, your former partner has the right to sue you for violation of court orders. Since your state's laws may accommodate the grandparents' (or other relatives, for that matter) wishes, you should stick to the schedule stipulated in the visitation schedule.

To learn more, contact a law firm like Metropolitan Lawyer Referral Service Inc