Preserving Relationships With Children
Last updated on September 30, 2025
For most parents, agreeing on a workable child custody plan is one of the most important parts of divorce. While divorcing parents often share legal custody, or the ability to make decisions about the child’s upbringing, one parent usually has primary physical custody. The other parent will have visitation or periods of custody. The specifics of the arrangement will determine how much time this parent can spend with his or her children.
The experience and caliber of your lawyer can have a large impact on whether you will reach an agreement that is workable and successful over time. At Lise S. Kaplan, LLC, in Macon, we represent mothers and fathers throughout Middle Georgia. We know that the changes a divorce may bring can be overwhelming. When you work with us, you can take heart in knowing that we will exert our best efforts to help clients reach a resolution that will preserve your relationship with your child.
Attentive, Personal And Candid
In any child custody and visitation matter, courts are required to make decisions that are in the child’s best interest. While a judge can decide these issues if the parties cannot reach an agreement, it is usually preferable for parents (with the help of their attorneys) to do so. The terms of custody and visitation will be included in a parenting plan. The parenting plan will spell out the time that each parent spends with the child. Parenting plans must be very detailed and include information about weekends, summers and holidays. If the parents can reach an agreement, the judge will sign off on the parenting plan, so long as it is in the child’s best interests.
Custody and visitation matters are extremely fact-sensitive and personal. We tailor our efforts to achieve your goals, but will also be candid about what you should expect. Our personalized approach has served clients well for more than 30 years. You can count on us to provide the representation you need.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visitation Rights
Parents facing custody decisions often have questions about how visitation works in practice. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we encounter.
What are the different types of visitation arrangements available in Georgia?
Georgia courts recognize several types of visitation arrangements to accommodate different family situations. Standard visitation typically includes alternating weekends, one evening per week, and shared holidays and school breaks. This arrangement works well when parents live relatively close to each other and cooperate effectively.
Liberal visitation rights offer parents flexibility to work out schedules between themselves without strict court-imposed time frames. This option requires good communication and cooperation between parents. Restricted visitation may be ordered when there are concerns about the child’s safety or well-being, limiting contact to specific times and conditions.
What is supervised visitation in Georgia, and when is it ordered?
Supervised visitation requires a third party to be present during visits between a parent and child. Courts may order this arrangement when there are concerns about domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health issues or when a parent has been absent from the child’s life for an extended period.
Supervision can be provided by a family member, friend or professional supervisor depending on the circumstances. The goal often involves working toward unsupervised visits once the parent demonstrates they can provide a safe environment for the child.
Can a child refuse visitation?
While children’s preferences become more important as they get older, they cannot refuse court-ordered visitation. Georgia courts consider a child’s wishes, particularly if over 14, but the child’s best interests remain the primary concern.
If a child consistently resists visitation, the court may investigate the underlying reasons. Sometimes, counseling or modifications to the visitation schedule can help address the child’s concerns while maintaining the parent-child relationship.
How can I enforce my visitation rights if the other parent is not complying?
When the other parent interferes with your visitation rights, you have legal options available. You can file a motion for contempt of court, which may result in fines, makeup visitation time or even jail time for the noncomplying parent.
Documentation is crucial when pursuing enforcement. Keep detailed records of missed visits, communications with the other parent and any attempts to exercise your visitation rights. The court takes violations of custody orders seriously and will act to protect your relationship with your child.
Contact A Seasoned Attorney
Spending time with your child is crucial, especially if you and the child’s other parent are no longer together. Lise S. Kaplan, LLC, in Macon, Georgia, is a family law firm that will successfully address legal matters related to visitation. Call our law firm at 478-207-5124 or fill out our online contact form to begin.