Parents generally control who their children socialize with and see. Parents have the authority to enroll their children at a school of their choosing. They can make decisions about extracurricular activities and socialization. Parents also control family access. A parent who knows that their sibling has a volatile personality might choose to limit an aunt or uncle’s access to their children.
When parents divorce, they generally have to divide legal authority and time with their children. Certain parties may have the right to request visitation depending on the outcome of custody proceedings.
A parent without shared custody
The courts generally prefer joint or shared custody arrangements. They want both parents to spend as much time as possible with the children and may also require that they share decision-making authority. In certain cases, one parent may not receive shared custody. The judge may rule that shared custody could endanger the children in certain cases. Other times, a parent might give up their right to joint custody in return for other concessions during a divorce. Parents who do not have joint custody rights can ask the courts to award them visitation with their children.
Siblings of minor children
Divorce can irrevocably change a family unit. Perhaps there is an older sibling who has already moved out of the family home. They may not be on good terms with either parent but may maintain a strong bond with their younger siblings. Maybe there are half-siblings from a blended family situation. Brothers and sisters who have a sibling subject to a custody order can potentially ask the courts to grant them visitation.
Grandparents
When divorce destabilizes a family unit, it can have a ripple effect on multiple relationships. Parents may become estranged from grandparents who they view as unsupportive or judgmental. If one parent secures sole custody, they may deny the other spouse’s parents access to their grandchildren. Grandparents who have a pre-existing relationship with their grandchildren and who can convince the courts that continued involvement with the grandchildren is in their best interests can potentially secure visitation rights through family court proceedings.
In scenarios where parents do not voluntarily maintain family ties after a divorce, other parties can ask the courts to intervene and protect their connection with children subject to a custody order. Learning more about visitation and child custody rules can help those concerned about minor children preserve their relationships with them.