Best Interests of the Child in Visitation Cases

The best interest of the child is normally fostered by having a healthy and close relationship with both parents. (In re Blanchard)

The trial court’s determination that both parties had demonstrated a genuine and honest concern for the best interests of their minor children, despite the friction generated between the parents as a result of the Tuesday night visitation, was amply supported by the record and the trial court did not err by retaining the existing Tuesday night custody schedule. (In re Kessler)

The terms of visitation are not to be limited as punishment for the past conduct of a parent, but determined in the light of present circumstances relevant to the present welfare and best interest of the child. (In re Lawyer)

It has been said that to deny all right of visitation to the non-custodial parent would be inequitable and unjust, but it should be kept in mind that the child’s welfare, not the interests of the parents, is paramount.  (Valencia v. Valencia)

It is believed to be in the best interests of the child, the touchstone against which all the court’s determinations as to visitation must be evaluated, that he or she have a healthy and close relationship with both parents.  (Valencia)

Children’s best interests who were in father’s custody demanded that visitation with their mother be scheduled even though she was imprisoned for conviction of a feliny for physical abuse where arrangements could be made at the visits with the children in non-prison atmosphere.  (Frail v. Frail)

A circuit court, in granting visitation rights to a parent who does not have custody of a child, must seek primarily to promote the child’s welfare; the welfare of the child usually requires that the parent who does not have custody of the child be given liberal visitation rights so that the child will not be estranged from that parent.  (McManus v. McManus)

In view of the evidence showing the father to be unfit, and his lack of good health, it was adequately shown that allowing visitation or further contact between him and his son would be detrimental to the child.  (Ice v. Department of Children & Family Services)

See Also:

The Law

Visitation Schedules

The Standard Visitation  Schedule

Visitation Decisions Properly Allowed & Properly Denied

Visitation Case

Assorted Visitation Topics