Visitation with Children
It is the policy of California courts to provide children with maximum contact with each parent. In such a case, many parents assume that they are entitled to 50-50 custody. This is the ideal situation in some cases, but not all. Very young children may not do well with a strict 50-50 child sharing arrangement. Much depends on the maturity and temperment of the child, the environment in the household of each parent, demands of each parent, the children’s preference, and the ability of each parent to co-parent.
Even if a parent is not awarded a 50-50 child sharing, each parent must recognize and assert the right to maximum contact with one’s child. Visitation with one’s child is a right, not a privilege. However, custodial rights can be removed in the case of domestic abuse or violence.