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Visitation

Understanding Visitation Rights Under Ohio Law

Ideally, the allotment of visitation time should involve cooperation on the part of both parents. Parents should work together as much as possible in order to set parenting-time schedules that minimize disruption for both children and parents. Parenting plans should take into consideration the work schedules of both parents, vacation schedules, school schedules, and the proximity of parents to each other. If parents are unable to reach an agreement, a judge is likely to impose a visitation schedule that he or she believes is in the best interest of a child. As such, it’s in the best interests of parents to work with each other in order to create a parenting schedule that reflects their unique interests and situation.

At the family law office of Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima, our attorneys assist and represent parents in the development of parenting plans through divorce. We help parents prioritize and coordinate schedules to ensure the best interests of their child is secured. To schedule an appointment and discuss parenting-time schedules, contact Lebanon, Ohio, visitation attorneys Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima today.

Creating a Parenting Plan — What to Consider

When creating a parenting plan, it’s important to consider the following to minimize conflicts and reduce the likelihood of miscommunication later once a visitation schedule is set in place:

  • Consult and compare both a regular calendar and your child’s school calendar
  • Include specifications for how summer vacation and holidays will be divided
  • Provide instructions for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and birthdays
  • Clearly define pick-up and drop-off responsibilities for doctor’s appointments, school, sports, swimming lessons, etc.
  • Take steps to ensure both parents have legal access to medical records and the right to make emergency medical decisions
  • Define when holidays begin and end
  • Make sure your plan allows for a certain amount of flexibility should unforeseen events occur

Parenting Plans, Tax Deductions, School, and Other Expenses

A common source of disagreement centers around financial obligations and who will pay for what. That’s why it’s important to address the following in a parenting plan as well:

  • Indicate which parent can claim a child for income tax purposes
  • Indicate who will be responsible for making life insurance payments
  • Indicate who or how much will be contributed to a child’s education fund
  • Make sure beneficiaries are correctly listed on any life insurance policies either parent has in place
  • Indicate who is responsible for providing medical coverage of a child
  • Indicate how music lessons or other regular expenses will be paid for by each parent

Contact Lebanon, Ohio, Visitation Attorneys

If you have questions regarding parenting plans or the legal process for establishing visitation, contact family law attorneys at Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima today to schedule an appointment and discuss your case. We can help you protect your parental rights while ensuring the best interests of your child are secured.

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