What is access and visitation?
Access and visitation refers to the rights of a child and the parent who does not have the child living with him or her to spend time together. It also includes the right to information about the health, education and well-being of the child, but does not include the right to make major decisions about the child. Judges grant access and visitation because it is believed that it is important for a child to have a meaningful relationship with both parents. A child has a right to know both parents and both parents have the right to know what is happening with their child. Judges generally think it is in the best interests of the child to have maximum contact with both parents, so they will usually order access and visitation. Some parents may find visits even more difficult to deal with when the other parent begins a new relationship. As long as this new person in the other parent s life poses no risk to the child, the child has the right to know and spend time with the new couple.
