Maryland Child Custody Child Custody Lawyer Jack I Hyatt Attorney at Law Home Attorney Credentials Testimonials Custody F.A.Q. Support Visitation Shared Custody Joint Custody Grandparent Issues Paternity Guardianship Links Link Exchange

Child Custody Lawyer for State of Maryland WHAT IS CHILD VISITATION AND A "PARENTING PLAN"? Custody and visitation are considered at the same time since the factors and circumstances taken into consideration by the court in making these determinations are essentially the same. The term "child visitation" refers to the time when the non-custodial parent has the right to be with the child. The custodial parent's right to be with the child is often subject to the non-custodial parent's right to visit with the child. The term "parenting plan" refers to the agreement between the parents or the court order which defines provisions for custody and visitation. It determines whether one or both parents has the ability to make decisions regarding the health, education and welfare of the child. The parenting plan also defines when the child is to be with the non-custodial parent. When one parent is awarded sole legal custody, that parent makes all decisions regarding the health, education and welfare of the child (and the other parent has no input on these decisions) Sole Physical Custody - when one parent is given sole physical custody, the child remains with him/her and the other parent is excluded from having physical custody of the child (typically when the other parent has abused or neglected the child)   410-486-1800