Parenting Time
The scheduled time each parent spends with their child, sometimes called visitation.
Parenting time is the time a parent spends with their child under a court-approved schedule. Minnesota uses the term “parenting time” instead of “visitation” to recognize that both parents have an important role in their child’s life. A parenting time order spells out when each parent has the child, including weekdays, weekends, holidays, and summer breaks.
The court sets parenting time based on the best interests of the child. Both parents are generally entitled to reasonable parenting time. If there are safety concerns, the court may order supervised parenting time, where visits happen in the presence of a third party. Either parent can ask the court to modify the schedule if circumstances change significantly.
Why it matters: A clear parenting time schedule reduces conflict and gives children stability. If one parent denies the other’s parenting time without a valid reason, the court can enforce the order and may modify custody.
Example: A parenting time order gives the noncustodial parent time with the children every other weekend from Friday evening to Sunday evening, plus Wednesday evenings for dinner, and alternating holidays.
Divorce cases, custody disputes, family court orders