When parents divorce and live separately, the time they each spend with their child afterwards is equally important, even if one parent only enjoy visits with their child. Additionally, courts acknowledge that nonparents, such as grandparents, may also want to visit and spend time with the child.
Nonetheless, regardless of the wishes of parents and involved parties, courts have to review the facts and circumstances and determine if they will award visits and under what terms.
Main priority: The child’s best interests
When determining the terms of visitation, Maryland courts consider several factors, with the child’s best interests as the top priority. These factors include the following:
- The child’s health condition and special needs
- The parents’ work schedules and the child’s school schedule
- The distance between each parent’s homes
- Whether the child has siblings and other family members
- Any other factor that can affect the visitation schedule
Generally, courts encourage parents to agree on a visitation schedule on their own. However, the courts can intervene if parents cannot agree. Mediation is also an option in these situations.
Supervised visitation
Visitation arrangements are not without bounds. Courts can order a supervised visitation under certain circumstances. This usually happens when the court has a reason to believe that a child is not safe to be alone with a parent, although it is in the child’s best interests to still spend time with said parent.
It is normal for parents to want to spend time with their children and be there for them every step of the way. However, this may not always be the best option in every case. Hence, deciding what is best for your child requires an objective take on the situation. A legal professional may be able to assist you establish visitation schedules that will serve your child’ best interests.