Visitation rights are generally granted by the court to a non-custodial parent. Visitation is often ordered to take place 'at reasonable times and places.' If the exact times and places are not specified, disputes between the parents can sometimes result. For this reason, many courts encourage divorcing parents to make a 'parenting agreement,' in which visitation times, and any constraints on where to meet, are specified. If either party breaks this agreement, the other parent can then seek redress from the court. Unless there are exceptional reasons for the court to discourage it, a child needs regular contact with both parents. The court generally recognizes this fact and will award visitation rights to the non-custodial parent accordingly. The custodial parent must not attempt to prevent or subvert the other parent's visitation rights, and it's a crime for the parent with visitation rights to interfere with the custodial arrangement in any way other than through the court. Disputes between divorced parents concerning custody and visitation are all too common. Generally, it's in the best interests of the child that these arrangements proceed amicably, and the courts may dislike any attempts to interfere with its rulings other than by due legal process. Grandparents, and in some states stepparents, can also apply to the court for visitation rights. In most cases, it's better for all concerned to attempt to solve visitation disputes by agreement or mediation before filing suit in court. For further information on visitation rights, contact an attorney.
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