Are you looking for the definition of child access? Under the Divorce Act, the time children spend with the parent, they don’t usually live with. Other people (including grandparents, aunts and uncles, and other relatives) can also apply for access to a child. Under the BC Family Law Act, this is called contact with a child.

Child access, or parenting time or visitation, refers to the schedule and arrangements for a non-custodial parent to spend time with their children. Child access is typically determined as part of a custody and visitation agreement or court order in family law.

The specific details of a child access plan will vary depending on the case’s individual circumstances. They may include the frequency and duration of visits, transportation arrangements, and any necessary supervision or restrictions. The main goal of child access is to ensure that the child has a meaningful and ongoing relationship with both parents and to provide for the child’s safety and well-being.

Definition of a non-custodial parent

A non-custodial parent is a parent who does not have physical custody of their child or children. This means that the child or children live primarily with the other parent, who is known as the custodial parent. The non-custodial parent still has legal rights and responsibilities to the child or children, such as the right to make decisions about their care and support them financially.

However, they typically spend less time with the child or children than the custodial parent. In some cases, the non-custodial parent may have a right to regular visitation or parenting time with the child or children, as determined by a court or agreed upon in a custody and visitation agreement.

What is a visitation agreement?

A visitation agreement, also known as a parenting plan or parenting schedule, is a legally binding document outlining arrangements for a non-custodial parent to spend time with their child or children. The agreement typically includes details about the frequency, duration, and location of visits, transportation arrangements, and necessary supervision or restrictions.

Access definition

A visitation agreement aims to establish a predictable and consistent schedule for the non-custodial parent to spend time with their child or children and to provide for the child’s safety and well-being.

Visitation agreements can be created as part of a divorce or separation process or a child custody case. They are typically developed by both parents or by the court, with the child’s best interest as the primary consideration. Visitation agreements can also be modified over time if circumstances change.