Parenting Time (Visitation)

Strengthening parent-child bonds through fair and safe visitation arrangements.

When parents separate or divorce, ensuring both parents stay involved in the child’s life is critical. In New York, parenting time (visitation) refers to the rights and schedule of the noncustodial parent to spend time with their child. The court prioritizes the best interests of the child while ensuring that both parents have an opportunity to maintain a meaningful relationship.

At The Schreck Law Group, we help parents across Queens, Brooklyn and Long Island establish, modify, and enforce parenting time agreements that protect their rights and prioritize their child’s well-being.

Contact us today to secure a fair parenting time arrangement that works for your family.

What Is Parenting Time in New York?

Parenting time is separate from custody:

• Legal Custody – The right to make decisions about education, healthcare, and more.

• Physical Custody – Where the child primarily lives.

• Parenting Time – Scheduled time the noncustodial parent spends with the child.

Visitation helps maintain strong relationships and emotional stability for children after separation or divorce.

Types of Parenting Time Arrangements

Courts tailor parenting time based on each family’s situation considering the child’s best interests, the parents’ circumstances, and any special considerations. Common arrangements include:

1. Scheduled Visitation

• The most common type of parenting time

• A fixed plan (e.g., weekends, holidays, vacations)

• Provides predictability and stability

2. Reasonable Visitation

• Flexible and informal

• Best for cooperative parents who communicate well

• No fixed schedule, but visits must be reasonable and fair

3. Supervised Visitation

• Required when safety is a concern (e.g., substance abuse, violence)

• Visits occur under supervision or at a visitation center

• Allows the noncustodial parent to maintain a relationship with the child while ensuring the child’s safety and well-being

4. No Visitation

• Rare and reserved for extreme cases of abuse or danger to the child

How Courts Decide Parenting Time

New York judges base decisions on the best interests of the child, considering:

• The parent-child bond

• Each parent’s caregiving history

• Mental and emotional stability

• The child’s needs and preferences (if age-appropriate)

• History of abuse or neglect

• Willingness to support the other parent’s relationship with the child

The goal is to ensure a safe, loving, and stable environment for the child.

Modifying Parenting Time

Parenting time isn’t set in stone. Modifications can be made if there’s a significant change in circumstances, such as:

• A parent relocating

• The child’s evolving needs

• Safety concerns or abuse

• Parental agreement to a new schedule

Denied Visitation? Here's What to Do

Parenting time is a legal right. If a parent wrongfully denies visitation:

• File a petition to enforce visitation

• Request makeup parenting time

• Ask the court to modify custody if violations are repeated

• In extreme cases, the court may impose fines or jail time

Important: Child support and visitation are separate—you cannot withhold one because the other isn’t being followed.

Co-Parenting Tips for a Successful Visitation Schedule

• Stick to the schedule – Children need consistency

• Communicate calmly and respectfully

• Be flexible when possible

• Focus on the child, not past conflict

• Keep a record of all visitations and issues

How The Schreck Law Group Can Help

Whether you are seeking parenting time for the first time or trying to enforce or adjust an existing plan, we’re here to support you.

Want more information? Visit our FAQ page or explore our Insights for guidance on custody, parenting time, and co-parenting.

Take the Next Step Toward a Stronger Parent-Child Relationship

Your child deserves a meaningful relationship with both parents. At The Schreck Law Group, our experienced family law attorneys are here to help you protect your parenting rights and achieve a visitation schedule that works.

Contact us now for a confidential consultation.