Few Illinois residents would dispute the notion that making child custody arrangements can be very complex. Along with the parents’ own personal concerns for the children, they must often navigate the confusing terminology they hear throughout the proceedings. Many do not want to ask for fear of seeming dumb or stupid. Any lawyer would tell you that it is okay to ask questions about anything that you do not understand. After all, you are not expected to understand or even know some of the legal language lawyers and judges use.
Attorneys field many questions about child custody itself as well as questions about visitation. Often a judge may order “reasonable visitation” in child custody cases. If this has happened to you, relax, it is usually more of a good thing than a bad thing. Reasonable visitation may be called for when parents are able to cooperate. What it means is that parents can enjoy a great amount of flexibility when arranging visitation between a child and the noncustodial parent.
Reasonable visitation offers benefits to parents and their children. Because the court deems that the parents are able to work together, they are free to come up with creative solutions that promote parental activity with the children. The kids benefit by enjoying ample time spent with each parent.
Like all situations, sometimes reasonable visitation does not work out as expected. The custodial parent may cut visitation times short or perhaps too much flexibility does not provide enough structure for all involved. When this happens, either parent can ask the court to order a different arrangement. A child custody lawyer can help you explore different types of visitation so that you can go into court the second time with a better understanding of your options.
Source: FindLaw, “Parental Visitation Rights FAQ,” accessed June 01, 2016
