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Irvine Visitation Lawyers Help You Understand Your Rights

Visitation rights in California, also called parenting time, refer to the non-custodial parent’s right to spend time with the children. Under certain circumstances, grandparents also have visitation rights, but this right can become disputed during or subsequent to separation or divorce. At Michel & Ryne, our attorneys work with parents and grandparents to help preserve their rights and arrange for visitation that is in the child’s best interests.

Parent visitation rights

The California courts encourage parents to create a nurturing and loving environment for their children. Transitions after divorce or separation are difficult for children and minimizing conflict helps them adjust. When working out custody and visitation, parents must agree on a time share plan, which is a detailed schedule for time spent with each parent. Establishing a routine and being consistent in terms of overnights, daily care, vacations and holidays help provide stability for children. The more detailed the plan, the better. However, flexibility is also important. For example, when children are sick and unable to go to school, traveling to the other parent’s house for visitation may not be advisable. Parents must be flexible to serve the child’s best interests.

Supervised visitation

Supervised visitation is court-ordered parental visitation while a neutral third party is also present. Typically, courts order specific times and dates for supervised visitation. According to the California courts, some reasons judges order supervised visitation include:

  • An alledged history of child abuse/neglect, domestic violence or substance abuse
  • An opportunity for the visiting parent to address specific issues
  • Reintroduction of a child to a parent after a long absence
  • Introduction of a child and parent who had no previously existing relationship
  • Child protection against parenting concerns or mental illness
  • Protection against threats of parental abduction

Grandparent visitation rights

Under California family law, grandparents can request reasonable visitation with their grandchildren. Grandparents often establish valuable bonds with their grandchildren and in such cases, courts tend to grant them vistitation rights. Typical situations where courts allow grandparent’s rights are when parents live separately, children do not live with their parents or a stepparent has adopted a grandchild.

Consult with an experienced attorney about California visitation rights

Through our office in Orange County, our attorneys at Michel & Rhyne serve clients throughout Southern California. Find out how we can help you protect your visitation rights. Contact us to schedule a consultation.