Visitation issues in divorce cases can be difficult. Visitation allows a non-custodial parent to have a reasonable amount of time with their child. Visitation rights are almost always granted unless there is showing of domestic violence or other abuse. And even if domestic violence has occurred, a Missouri court may find that visitation is in the best interests of the child.
When developing a visitation schedule or any part of a parenting plan, it is important that the plan or schedule be realistic. You must be available for the times in the agreement for it to work. In addition, both parents must be willing to cooperate with each other when dealing with handoffs and other elements of the agreement.
Working with your child’s other parent may not be the most rewarding element of your dissolution agreement, but it is necessary. Developing a viable child custody agreement or visitation plan is essential, as the structure can help defuse tension and the routine can help children adapt to their new family circumstance after a divorce.
The maintaining of civil relationship by both parents can help a child overcome the disorienting effects of a divorce, and by not criticizing and speaking ill of each other, it can help prevent feelings of inadequacy or shame. For a child who desires to love both of their parents, being pitted in a battle between those parents can be destabilizing as they struggle to understand one parent’s bitter attacks against their other parent.
After a divorce, it is presumed that you no longer have warm feeling towards your former spouse. You child, however, does not have that presumption and their relationship is different. You must work to understand the situation from their perspective.
Of course, if one parent is violating a visitation or custody order, you should discuss with your attorney how to immediately move to enforce your parental rights and stop that denial.
