Visitation For Children Under Age 3
When deciding on visitation rights, the court always prioritizes the best interest of the child. Once a child reaches the age of three, a judge will create a visitation schedule that both parents must abide by. It contains exact dates and times that a child will stay with each parent. When a child is under the age of three, however, a judge will consider different factors when determining the standard order of visitation.
Factors Considered For Children Under 3
Visitation for children under the age of three will differ from the schedule created when a child reaches his or her third birthday. This is because a judge must take into consideration the huge amount of development a child undergoes during this time. Factors a judge will consider when deciding on a visitation schedule include:
- The effect separation from either parent may cause on the child
- The availability of each parent as a caregiver
- Physical, mental, behavioral and developmental needs of the child
- Presence of siblings
- Location of both parents
- A child’s need to build healthy relationships and attachment to both parents
- Child’s need for a routine
- Best interest of the child
Ultimately the standard order of possession does not apply until a child turns 3, and most courts recommend very frequent visitation before this period. However, circumstances for each family will always vary.
Contact a Woodlands Child Custody Attorney Today
Establishing a visitation schedule that works best for you and your family is important, and our experienced child custody attorneys at BB Law Group PLLC in the Woodlands can help protect your interests throughout child custody negotiations. Contact our offices at (832) 534-2589 today to learn about how we can help you through this process.