Sole Custody Schedule for Minors
Representation in the Family Court of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange County, Riverside, and all of Southern California
The custody schedules established for the upbringing and sharing of the child with each parent can be done through a timetable in which both parents decide how parenting time will be arranged and how they will share time with their child. This method is very fair to the parents and, most importantly, to the child. The benefits of a visitation schedule include:
- Clear expectations regarding how and where the child will be exchanged.
- Reduced miscommunication when switching turns between parents.
- No debates or issues over who will spend holidays with the child.
- Pre-established vacation times, including time allocation with each parent.
- The ability to plan quality time with the child and improve parenting experiences for both parents.
Visitation schedules must include all details: drop-off times, the time each parent will spend with the child, and the location where the child will be returned to the custodial parent. A fixed and consistent schedule must be set and should not be frequently modified, as it is important for the child to know which days and at what times they will spend time with the other parent.
Joint Custody Visitation Schedules
Parents can mutually agree on a visitation schedule that allows each to spend time with their child or children, if applicable. They can do this with the help of an attorney who can create the desired visitation schedule with legal backing, or if they prefer not to pay for a lawyer, they can also use the Custody X Change software.
Likewise, by mutual agreement, the parents can designate one of the homes or residences of either parent as the child’s primary home. In most cases, the primary home is the one where the child spends the most time. Also, the address of the home where the child lives will be used to enroll them in school, take them to the doctor, and for any situation requiring the child’s residence information. On the other hand, it’s important to note that the term “primary residence” is used only for legal procedures; parents may alternate the child’s primary home, and the fact that one parent’s address is listed as the primary residence does not mean the other parent has fewer rights to the child.
Parents can use the Custody X Change software to create a parenting plan that ensures the best well-being of their child.
How Much Time Should the Child Spend with Each Parent?
In general, judges offer a standard schedule when the parents cannot reach an agreement. However, if there is a mutually agreed-upon visitation schedule created by the parents, the judge can consider and approve it. It is always recommended to strive for a mutually agreed parenting plan and not leave it to the judge to set a standard plan.
The actual amount of time the child spends with each parent depends on the child’s needs, as the court will always prioritize the child’s best interests. When custody is shared, visitation schedules should provide equal time for both parents to share with the child. Each parent’s visitation schedule must ensure the child’s safety.
What Should Be Included in My Joint Custody Visitation Schedule?
The visitation schedule presented by the parents must include three important components, which are described below:
Residential Schedule
This schedule reflects the child’s primary residence, the time the child will spend with each parent, and the specific days the child will be with each parent for parenting time.
Holiday Schedule
This should include a schedule defining holidays and special dates the child will spend with each parent. Some occasions may include:
- Religious holidays
- Birthdays
- School breaks
- State holidays
- Federal holidays
- Mother’s Day and Father’s Day
- Other dates important to the child
For these types of special dates, parents often alternate in even and odd years to ensure equitable parenting time.
Vacation Schedule
The child must be allowed to spend vacations with each parent annually. During vacation time, the child should have extended, uninterrupted periods with each parent.
Sole Custody Visitation Schedule
When one parent has sole custody, that parent must make every effort to agree with the other parent on visitation times. They can seek help from a lawyer, or if they don’t want to pay, they can use Custody X Change software.
In this type of custody, one parent spends more time with the child, and the other parent is assigned a visitation schedule. If the other parent is deemed highly dangerous and there is evidence of physical or sexual abuse of the child, visitation may be denied.
On the other hand, if the parents cannot agree on a visitation schedule on their own, the court will establish a standard schedule that the parents must follow. That’s why it is recommended that parents come to an agreement themselves, keeping the child’s best interest in mind. If the parents create a visitation schedule and it is reviewed and approved by the judge, the process will be even better and easier for everyone.
If the non-custodial parent is to spend overnight time with the child, that possibility must be evaluated—taking into account where the parent lives and whether they live with individuals who may pose a danger to the child. If any danger exists, overnight visits will be denied. Also, an important point in the visitation schedule is the exchange location and the transportation the child will use. Courts will consider every detail to ensure the child’s safety.
Supervised Visits
Supervised visits are ordered by the court when the non-custodial parent has a history of violence, anger issues, bad behavior, or drug/alcohol use. Supervision may also be ordered when the parent has never had a relationship with the child and they are in the process of getting to know each other.
Supervised visits may be lifted when the non-custodial parent has met all conditions and requirements, ensuring the child’s safety during the visits.
Additionally, when visits are supervised, the court sets the days, times, and location for visitation. During the visit, the court assigns a social worker to supervise, or it may authorize a relative to monitor the visits between the parent and the child.
Long-Distance Arrangements
When one parent has sole custody, it doesn’t always mean the other parent is unfit. Often, the non-custodial parent lives in another state, works a lot, or travels frequently. In these cases, where sole custody is granted due to absence from work or distance, the child should be allowed to have visits with the other parent after school—such as during summer or school holidays.
Visitation Schedule for Young Children
When dealing with a very young child who needs greater attention and care from the custodial parent, the visitation schedule should be created very carefully. The non-custodial parent will not be able to spend much time with the child due to the child’s age and need for care. In such cases, parents often use color-coded calendars to organize the days and times of visitation for the non-custodial parent.
Here are some helpful tips to consider when creating a visitation schedule:
Frequent, Shorter Visits
For young children, more frequent but shorter visits can be scheduled. For example, the non-custodial parent may have evening visits on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and full-day visits on Saturdays. This allows for frequent contact without long gaps in between.
Avoid Overnight Visits
Extended visits for young children should be approached with caution, as they should not be away from the custodial parent for too long. Visits generally increase gradually as the child grows older.
Introduce Changes Slowly
It is important to maintain a consistent visitation schedule to avoid stressing the child. As each parent spends their time with the child, they should establish a routine and ensure the time spent is of high quality. Always strive to have an ideal visitation program.
Visitation Schedule for Older Children
When dealing with older children or teens who have external activities like sports or other commitments, the visitation schedule should be adjusted to accommodate their routines and improve interaction with both parents. Older children can understand the concept of visitation and, over time, may begin to have overnight stays or longer visits with the non-custodial parent.
As the child grows, the schedule can be reviewed to see whether it has benefited the child, providing evidence that the child is doing well with separate parenting arrangements.
Standard Visitation Schedules
Standard visitation schedules are set by the court when parents do not agree on a visitation schedule. These schedules are established based on the child’s best interest. However, there are cases where a judge may not have a schedule ready at the moment, which is why parents should prepare their own visitation schedule for the judge’s review and approval.
When the judge establishes the visitation schedule, it becomes a court order that both parents must comply with. This type of schedule typically includes three essential components, explained below:
Residential Schedule
Also known as a regular schedule, it defines the days each parent will spend with the child and which parent is the primary caregiver. Visits follow a cycle to provide structure and stability for the child.
If the child is not safe with the non-custodial parent, court-ordered supervision will be implemented. If the parent lives far away, a long-distance visitation schedule should be arranged.
Holiday Schedule
It is important for parents to agree on holiday and special event schedules to spend time with their child. The parenting plan should include:
- Mother’s Day
- Father
- New Year’s Day
- Memorial Day
- Presidents’ Day
- Easter
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Veterans Day
- All Saints’ Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas Ev
- New Year’s Eve
- Child’s Birthday
- Parents’ Birthdays
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
All these dates in the standard schedules can be alternated by the parents in even and odd years.
Vacation Schedule:
This type of vacation schedule may vary, but generally not by much. Below is a standard vacation schedule as a model to give an idea of how it is structured.
- Weekends from 6 p.m. Friday to 6 p.m. Sunday.
- Easter week, in even years, from 6 p.m. Friday to 6 p.m. Sunday.
- July 4th, in even years, from 6 p.m. July 3rd to 6 p.m. July 5th.
- Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Fall break, in even years, from the end of school until 7:30 p.m. the night before classes resume.
- Thanksgiving days, in even years, from 6 p.m. Wednesday until 7:30 p.m. Sunday.
- Additional visits as agreed upon by the parents.
- Liberal telephone communication with the child.
- Summer vacation for a period of 30 days each year.
- Child’s birthday, in even years, from when school (or daycare) ends until 9 p.m., or if the birthday falls on a weekend, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- The day before the child’s birthday, in odd years, from when school (or daycare) ends until 9 p.m., or if that day falls on a weekend, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Christmas vacation, in even years, from 6 p.m. Christmas Eve to 6 p.m. New Year’s Day.
- Christmas vacation, in odd years, from 6 p.m. the last day of school until 6 p.m. Christmas Eve.
- Labor Day, in odd years, from 6 p.m. Friday to 6 p.m. Monday.
- Memorial Day, in odd years, from 6 p.m. Friday to 6 p.m. Monday.
- Spring break, in odd years, from the end of school until 7:30 p.m. the night before classes resume.
- New Year’s Day, in odd years, from noon until 9 p.m.
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