Parenting time — in plain language

Plain language

the schedule that determines when a child is in the care of each parent

• custody schedule
• visitation schedule
• time with the kids

What to watch for

• Often confused with 'custody.' Custody refers to the right to make decisions for the child, while parenting time refers specifically to the physical schedule.
• Many people still use the older term 'visitation.' While they are often used interchangeably, 'parenting time' is preferred in modern law to avoid the implication that a parent is merely a 'visitor' in their child's life.
• Non-lawyers may assume that 'parenting time' only includes hours spent awake with the child. In legal terms, it includes all time the child is under that parent's responsibility, including time spent at school or sleeping.

Distinguishing from "Visitation". The term "parenting time" was intentionally adopted by many courts to replace "visitation." "Visitation" implies that a parent is a guest in the child's life, whereas "parenting time" recognizes the parent's ongoing role and responsibility. When translating older documents, you may see these used interchangeably, but in modern practice, "parenting time" is the standard.

What to Watch For.

• Scope of responsibility: Parenting time is not just about "fun" time; it includes the responsibility for the child's daily needs, such as getting them to school, helping with homework, and managing their health.
• Flexibility: Many court orders include a "standard" schedule but allow parents to agree to changes. A translation should not imply that the schedule is rigid if the underlying document allows for mutual adjustments.
• Supervision: If a document mentions "parenting time centers" or "monitored exchanges," it is referring to supervised parenting time, which is a specific, restricted form of the arrangement.

Legal definition

Parenting time is the schedule that dictates when a child is in the care of each parent. It is the practical, day-to-day plan that ensures a child has a consistent relationship with both parents. While it is often part of a larger custody order, it focuses specifically on the physical time spent with the child rather than the legal right to make major life decisions for them.

Meanings by context

supervised parenting time: Time spent with a child while a neutral third party or professional is present to monitor the interaction.

equal parenting time: A schedule where the child spends roughly the same amount of time living with each parent.

Examples

Where you'll see it

• divorce decrees
• custody orders
• parenting plans
• court petitions

Related terms

• legal custody
• physical custody
• visitation
• best interests of the child
• parenting plan

Word details

Pronunciation

PAIR-uhnt-ing TYM

Part of speech

noun

Origin

English — Time spent by a parent with their child.

Domains

family law

Frequency

very common

Formality

moderate