Divorced Florida parents may be granted visitation rights to their children. If a judge says that a parent is entitled to reasonable visitation, it is a sign for both parents to create a plan on their own. This is ideal because it allows them to create a plan that meets their needs as well as the best interest of the child.
However, the custodial parent is the one with the leverage in such talks. This is because he or she is under no obligation to agree to any type of visitation plan. The only requirement is that the custodial parent not do anything out of spite or malice toward the noncustodial mother or father. Being unreasonable during such talks could result in a judge being less flexible toward that parent in the future. Working out a plan without a judge’s help takes a reasonable level of communication between parents.
Those who don’t think that this is possible could ask for a fixed visitation schedule instead. Parents should note that they can revise any plan that they come up with if it doesn’t meet their needs. In some cases, visitation may mean seeing a child through a computer screen or interacting in other ways that don’t involve physically being with a son or daughter.
Generally speaking, both parents are allowed to have a relationship with their children. This means noncustodial parents will tend to have generous visitation rights to them. Custodial parents may help to preserve the best interest of their children by encouraging them to have a relationship with the noncustodial parent. Those who are having trouble seeing or speaking with their kids may wish to have an attorney help pursue custody or other parental rights.