| Although we never want to believe it to be true, | | | | parent-child relationship that exists with each |
| at least two out of every married couple you | | | | parent. This typically decides which parent will |
| know, including you, may end up getting divorced. | | | | receive physical custody of the child. However, |
| If you have children, this means that your divorce | | | | time with both parents is important, and thus, a |
| will not only deal with the division of property and | | | | visitation schedule should give the child ample time |
| possibly spousal support, but also custody of your | | | | with both. Again, your Minneapolis family lawyer |
| children, visitation and child support. Even if you | | | | will assist in figuring out a reasonable visitation |
| are not married, if you have children with | | | | schedule. |
| someone, it is very likely that at some point you | | | | The visitation schedule may also be impacted by |
| will end up in some sort of custody battle with | | | | interaction between your child and siblings, as well |
| your child's other parent. As such, you will need | | | | as other close relatives. As your Minneapolis family |
| the help of a Minneapolis family lawyer to ensure | | | | lawyer will advise you, the court will want to |
| that your rights are protected and your child is | | | | encourage familial relationships beyond just those |
| placed in the best position possible. | | | | with the parents of the child. Since this is in the |
| The first thing your Minneapolis family lawyer | | | | best interests of the child, the visitation schedule |
| should do is explain Minnesota law when it comes | | | | must allow opportunities for time with these other |
| to matters of child custody. Minnesota law follows | | | | family members. |
| a standard by mandate that any decision made in | | | | Another factor may be how well your child |
| the custody of a child must be in the best | | | | adjusts to a new home, school and community. |
| interests of the child. This standard is extremely | | | | The visitation schedule must consider any issues |
| important when it comes to custody and | | | | with adapting to changes in the child's |
| visitation. A visitation schedule must bear in mind | | | | environment. Your Minneapolis family lawyer can |
| and meet the child's needs. The parent's focus | | | | help you work through various scenarios to arrive |
| must always be on the child's welfare at every | | | | at the one that will work best with your child. |
| turn, including when it comes to the visitation | | | | Similarly, the court will aim towards continuity as |
| schedule. In fact, there are factors that have | | | | well as consistency, so if the child is currently in |
| been codified by the Minnesota legislature, which | | | | an environment where she is thriving and quite |
| both parents must consider when developing a | | | | happy, this will not be interrupted or changed. |
| visitation schedule. | | | | A final factor the courts look at is the ability of |
| First, both parents have input into what is best | | | | each parent to completely meet the needs of |
| for their child. They should try their best to work | | | | their child. The court prefers that each parent |
| together in creating a schedule that they agree | | | | remain involved in all aspects of the child's life and |
| upon and benefits their child. If they cannot agree, | | | | provide accordingly, but visitation may heavily |
| then the courts will intervene and make an order | | | | favor one parent if the other is deemed to be |
| that it deems in the best interest of the child. | | | | incapable of tending to most or all of the child's |
| With older children, the court will take into | | | | daily needs. The Minneapolis family lawyer you use |
| consideration the child's wishes with respect to | | | | can help ensure that visitation time is not taken |
| custody and visitation. It is always best if the | | | | away from you by working on what you need to |
| parents can create a mutually agreeable schedule | | | | do to meet the needs of your child. |
| rather than requiring court intervention. Your | | | | There are many different factors that are taken |
| Minneapolis family lawyer will be invaluable in | | | | into consideration in a child custody matter. Make |
| helping to bring both sides together to avoid a | | | | sure that your Minneapolis family lawyer explains |
| schedule being created for you. | | | | them all to you so that you can understand how |
| The courts will also consider which parent is the | | | | to maximize your time with your child and always |
| primary caretaker of the child as well as the | | | | put the welfare of your child first. |