Creating an Effective Visitation Schedule in California

Having a visitation schedule is one of the most important things you can do after a divorce or separation and you have children. When you create this sort of document, you need to be aware of your state's codes or laws. If you live in the state of California, you should familiarize yourself with its laws on child custody and visitation. You can find California child custody laws in Division 8 of the California Family Code. It is essential for you to understand these laws and statutes as you create your child visitation schedule.

The state of California has many different laws about visitation and how the court decides custody. The court may grant visitation to any person with an interest in the welfare of the child (Section 3100a), including someone who is not a blood relative, as long as the court finds that person to have the best interest of the child. In California, the best interest of the child is priority in determining custody.

California prefers that parents write their own visitation schedules because it is in the best interest of the child. California also prefers to award joint custody as long as there are no undesirable circumstances such as drug abuse, physical violence, etc., that may be detrimental to the child.

The Superior Courts of California must provide mediation for parents where relevant issues may be discussed and a visitation schedule can be written and agreed upon. It is a good idea, however, to try and have a visitation schedule created before hand so nothing is forgotten during mediation. The state of California has a few typical joint visitation schedules that can act as guidelines as you create your own:

• The child will be in the custody of one parent every week from a certain day and time until another certain day and time. The child will be in the custody of the other parent at all other relevant times.

• Weeks can be alternated between parents.

• The child will be in the custody of one parent during the school year and the other parent will have custody of the child during the summer and school vacations.

• Parents may share custody on a week-to-week basis based on their schedules and their child's schedule.

There are a couple of standard visitation schedules for sole custody arrangements as well:

• The non-custodial parent will have visitation every weekend from one certain time until another certain time.

• The non-custodial parent will have visitation every other weekend from one certain time until another certain time.

Your California visitation schedule should also include rules for holidays, (including major holidays, special religious holidays and any other special days), birthdays, vacations and school breaks and provisions for three-day holiday or special weekends.

Whether or not you decide to use a standard California visitation schedule, modify one or create one all your own, remember to keep your child as the number one priority. It is California's policy to ensure that a child has frequent and continuing contact with both parents and that both parents share the responsibility of raising the child. You can make the best visitation schedule for your child by following California's laws. Be a good shared parent and make a California visitation schedule that works.