Parents may want to agree to a visitation plan in joint/sole custody scenarios. Here is everything you need to know about how to make a child visitation schedule in California.
What is a Child Visitation Schedule?
A child visitation schedule, also called a “parenting plan” or a “custody and visitation agreement”, is parents’ written agreement about:
- Time-share: A schedule for when the children will be with each parent
- Decision-making: How the parents will make decisions about the health, education, and welfare of the children
After writing a child visitation agreement, it becomes a court order once it is signed by both parents, signed by the judge, and filed with the court.
What to Include in Your Child Visitation Schedule
Your child’s visitation schedule may provide a general overview of the custody arrangements or describe the plan precisely. General visitation plans work for parents with a low level of conflict, while plans that are more specific work best for parents experiencing high conflict in their relationship.
In general, your child visitation schedule should deal with:
- Physical Custody, which means where the children live and how they spend their time
- Where should our children be during the week? On weekends?
- Where should our children be for holidays, summer vacations, and special days?
- Which parent will be in charge of which activities (sports, music, homework)?
- Which parent is in charge at which times?
- How will our children get from one parent to the other? Who will pay the costs of transportation?
- Legal Custody, which means who makes important decisions about the children. This includes decisions regarding:
- Schools
- Daycare
- Religion
- Medical care
- Jobs and driving (for older children)
Related: Types of Child Custody and Visitation in California
Steps to Create Your Child Visitation Schedule
1. Fill out your court forms
Fill out the following forms:
- Stipulation and Order for Custody and/or Visitation of Children (Form FL-355)
- Child Custody and Visitation Order Attachment (Form FL-341)
- Other forms that may be applicable are:
- Children’s Holiday Schedule Attachment (Form FL-341(C))
- Additional Provisions — Physical Custody Attachment (Form FL-341(D))
- Joint Legal Custody Attachment (Form FL-341 (E))
2. Sign the stipulation
Both parents have to sign the Stipulation and Order for Custody and/or Visitation of Children. Both parents must ensure that they understand everything they are agreeing to, and no one is being forced to sign.
3. Have your forms reviewed
If your court’s family law facilitator assists with custody and visitation cases, ask him/her to review your stipulation paperwork. Alternatively, you could get an attorney to assist in reviewing your forms before presenting them to a judge to review and sign.
4. Make at least 2 copies of all your forms
One copy will be for you. The second copy will be for your child’s other parent. The original is for the court.
5. Get the judge’s signature on your stipulation
Turn in the original and 2 copies of your signed stipulation to the judge for the judge’s signature. Make sure you ask the court clerk for the procedure in your court and that you know when to return to pick up your paperwork.
Related: 9 Factors That Affect Child Custody in California
6. File your forms with the court clerk
Once you have the judge’s signature, you must file the stipulation. The court will keep the original, and you and the other parent will each get a copy, stamped “Filed” by the court clerk.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one needs help making a child visitation schedule in California, contact us. We’ll get you in touch with the most qualified attorney for your unique legal matter. Get your free consultation with one of our California Child Custody Attorneys today!