How to Arrange Visitation for a Child

When parents separate one of the most important things to work out is how and when each parent will spend time with the child/children. Visitation arrangements are designed to support the child’s wellbeing and allow them to maintain a meaningful relationship with both parents. These arrangements should be flexible enough to suit the child’s needs, while also fitting into each parent’s schedule.

A well-structured visitation schedule helps provide stability and consistency for the child. This might include:

• Week-on/week-off arrangements
• Alternate weekends with one parent
• Holiday rotations such as school breaks, birthdays, and special occasions

When creating a schedule, it’s important to take into account:

• The child’s age, maturity and emotional needs
• School commitments and extracurricular activities
• Any special requirements or routines the child may have
• The child’s wishes (if they are old enough to express them)
• Th parents ability to care for the child
• The child’s relationship with each parent

Using a shared calendar or co-parenting app can help both parents stay on the same page and avoid misunderstandings.

Parents can make either informal agreements or formalise arrangements through the Family Court of Australia.

• Informal agreements work best when communication is strong and both parents are willing to cooperate. These can be written down in a parenting plan but are not legally binding.
• Parenting plans are flexible and can be changed if both parents agree.
• Consent orders can be submitted to the Family Court to make an agreement legally binding.
• If parents can’t agree, they’ll generally need to attend mediation first. If mediation fails, an application can be made to the court for a parenting order.

In all cases, the court’s primary concern is the best interests of the child, not the convenience or preferences of the parents.

Arranging visitation isn’t always easy, but when both parents focus on what’s best for the child, it can become more manageable. Whether through informal agreement or court orders, a well-thought-out plan can reduce conflict and give the child a sense of routine and security. If you’re unsure about your rights or the best steps to take, it’s recommended seeking legal advice or speaking with a family dispute resolution service.

For more family law advice like this, feel free to reach out to Genuine Legal for a consultation. Call us on (07) 2102 0641 if you need our assistance.