Examples of alternative parenting time or visitation arrangements include supervised parenting time, which can be supervised by either a mutually agreed upon third party, or at a parenting time facility, such as EAC network.  Additionally, if the non-custodial parent has been absent from the child’s life for a period of time, or if there are underlying issues between the non-custodial parent and the child, the Court can order therapeutic visitation, which means that the non-custodial parent and the child will participate in therapy together and/or separately.  In situations where there are existing Orders of Protection, or the parents have a volatile relationship, the Court can direct that the exchange of the children for the non-custodial parent’s parenting time take place at a neutral location, or, that a third party conduct the exchange.  Where the non-custodial parent lives a substantial distance from the home of the children (such as out of State), the non-custodial parent may be awarded substantial parenting time during the children’s summer vacation period and/or other school recess periods.

As always, the paramount concern in any child custody and/or visitation proceeding is the best interests of the child.  If the Court finds that the children’s best interests are not served by visitation with the non-custodial parent, then, it has the authority to revoke, restrict or suspend such parenting time.  The Court does not, however, have the authority to revoke, restrict or suspend the non-custodial parent’s parenting time for failure to pay child support, which means that parenting time must take place regardless of any child support arrears which may exist.

Non-custodial parents are awarded parenting time and/or visitation rights in custody and divorce proceedings, regardless of their marital status.