Dads play a critical role in the lives of their children. Having regular access to your kids is important for their development and emotional health, especially after the upheaval and transition brought by a divorce. In order to protect their interests, dads should know and fight for their visitation rights. The intent of every custody and visitation decision should be to protect the needs and well-being of the kids above all else.
Visitation refers to the amount of time you will have with your kids, particularly if you are not the custodial parent. Dads who do not have joint custody still have the right to maintain an active relationship with their kids. Regardless of the details of your visitation order, the ultimate goal is to provide your kids with stability, emotional security and as much continuity of lifestyle as possible.
Dads and their rights as parents
Not only should visitation meet the needs of your kids, but it should also align with your work schedule, transportation capabilities and more. There are two main types of visitation arrangements — reasonable visitation and fixed visitation. The primary differences between those two specific types include the following:
- Reasonable visitation — When a court grants reasonable visitation, this likely means that it will be up to the two parents to decide how the visitation schedule should work. You may be able to negotiate an arrangement that is reasonable and sustainable.
- Fixed visitation — A court may grant fixed visitation, a schedule that includes instructions for the days a parent may have access to his or her children. It may also include terms for where the arrangement visitation can take place.
There are times when the issue of visitation is contentious, and the mother of your children may attempt to restrict your access to your kids. As a dad, you have the right to stand up for the interests of your kids and pursue the best possible outcome in court.
Fighting for rightful visitation
Nebraska dads have visitation rights, and they may tenaciously defend these rights whether it is in court or in negotiations. If you have concerns about the actions of the other parent or your access to your kids, it may be helpful to start with an explanation of your parental and visitation rights. An assessment of your situation can help determine the most appropriate way forward.