When a couple chooses to divorce or separate and they have children, one parent may not achieve custody of their kids. While joint custody arrangements are being pushed now more than ever before, there are those individuals who will only be granted visitation time as part of a family law settlement.  What does a typical visitation schedule look like for parents in Michigan?

Truthfully, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all visitation schedule that will be handed down by a family court judge. Visitation schedules, much like joint custody plans, can be quite flexible. It all really depends on what each parent is able to do and what is thought best for the children.

Generally speaking, a parent who is granted visitation should be able to see his or her children at least 20 percent of the time. This may translate into overnight visits one day a week or every other weekend. They may be granted extended visits in the summer or over holidays. If overnight stays are not possible, they may be granted evening or day visits, depending on the parent’s and children’s schedules.

When it comes to visitation, there is no right or wrong way to go about it. Families who require visitation have to create schedules that work for their needs, no one else’s. A parent confronting these issues in Michigan can turn to legal counsel for help seeking a joint custody arrangement. An experienced family law attorney knows that the trend is toward shared custody with equal visitation rights, though that goal is not possible in every situation.