Examples of Visitation Schedules

Lee Borden

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Every state has a different approach to standard visitation. What I've included here are a couple of typical examples drawn from the court where I practice, phrased with mom as the primary custodial parent. Please don't assume I think these are necessarily the right approach for you or even that I think these are the right approach generally. I place them here just so you can get an idea what kind of provisions you may see.

When Mom and Dad Live Nearby

• The first and third full weekends of each month from 6 p.m. on Friday until 6 p.m. the following Sunday (the first weekend of a month beginning on the first Friday of each month).
• Each Christmas day from 3 p.m. until 3 p.m. on the following New Year's day.
• 31 days during the summer (to be taken between June 10 and Aug. 15), to be selected by the husband but upon written notice to the wife at least 30 days before such visitation.
• During the odd years, spring break from 9 a.m. Saturday until the following Saturday at 6 p.m.
• During the even years, Thanksgiving vacation from 6 p.m. Wednesday until Sunday at 6 p.m.
• Every other birthday of each child from 6 p.m. on said date until 8 a.m. of the following day, beginning with the next birthday.
• Every Father's Day from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. of the same day.
• On the birthday of the husband from 3 p.m. on said date until 8 p.m. of the same day.
• At such other times as agreed upon between the parties.

Each parent shall keep the other informed of the primary residence address and telephone number where the children reside or visit.

When Mom and Dad Live Far Apart

Here's the standard visitation my court uses when the child and the non-custodial parent are separated by distance, also phrased with mom as the custodial parent:

The husband shall have the right to have the children with him as follows:

• Six weeks during each summer at a time to be selected by the husband, provided, however, that husband shall have notified the wife of the dates of the intended visitation at least 30 days before such visitation.
• Each Christmas, beginning on Dec. 26 at 9 a.m. and ending New Year's Day at 3 p.m.
• During the odd years, spring break from 9 a.m. Saturday until the following Saturday at 6 p.m.
• During the even years, Thanksgiving vacation from 6 p.m. Wednesday until Sunday at 6 p.m.
• Any other reasonable times the husband is in the town in which the minor children reside. Husband shall give 48 hours notice and the visitation should be no longer than 48 hours in duration.
• At such other times as agreed upon between the parties.

During any periods of visitation, after the children reach the age of 12 years, the said children may travel by commercial airliner, provided:

• The husband shall pay all air fares for the transportation of said children.
• The flights shall be either non-stop or direct and no change of planes will be involved until the children reach the age of 14 years.
• All travel arrangements shall be made by the husband.
• The husband shall notify the wife not less than 10 days of the date of visitation, of the date, time, airline and flight number of the proposed carrier.
• The husband shall send to the wife the round-trip airline tickets or shall ensure that they will be at the air terminal ready for said children at time of departure.
• The wife shall be required to deliver the said children to the nearest commercial airport offering direct flight service to the airport at which the husband will receive the children, not to be in excess of 150 miles from wife's residence. The wife shall also pick up said children at the termination of the periods of visitation.
• The husband shall ensure that either he or the children notifies the wife of the arrival of the children as soon as possible after the children are met by the husband.
• At the end of the period of visitation, the husband shall notify the wife of the dates, time, carrier and flight number of the children's return. The husband shall notify the wife 24 hours before the time of departure.
• On the return of the children, the wife shall ensure that either she or the children notify the husband of the children's return.
• The husband shall enjoy the right of telephone visitation each Thursday, between the hours of 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. local time with the minor children, at the husband's expense. The wife shall neither interfere with nor listen in or be party to the telephone conversation during the said period of time.

Each parent shall keep the other informed of the primary residence address and telephone number where the children reside or visit.

Lee Borden is a lawyer and divorce mediator based in Birmingham, Ala., who loves his work. His Web site, divorceinfo.com, includes other articles.

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