Help from a Divorce Attorney for Parenting Rights

Why Words Matter

For decades, divorce proceedings used terms like "custody" and "visitation." One parent was often granted "sole custody," while the other received "visitation rights." This language framed parenting as a win-or-lose battle, with one parent positioned as the primary caregiver and the other as a mere visitor.

This model often led to feelings of resentment and inadequacy, undermining the goal of co-parenting. Recognizing this, many legal systems have updated their terminology. The focus is no longer on a parent's "right" to have their child, but on the child's right to have a meaningful relationship with both parents.

Parenting Responsibilities

Instead of awarding "custody," courts now allocate "parental responsibilities." This term encompasses all the duties and decisions involved in raising a child. It is a broader, more collaborative concept that includes:

• Decision-Making: Determining the child's education, healthcare, religious upbringing, and extracurricular activities.
• Daily Care: Providing for the child's physical and emotional needs.



Responsibilities can be divided or shared. For example, one parent might have the final say on educational choices, while the other handles medical decisions. The goal is to ensure both parents remain actively involved in their child’s life.

Parenting Time

The term "visitation" is being replaced by "parenting time." This change is more than just semantics; it reflects a fundamental shift in perspective. A parent doesn't "visit" their child—they are actively parenting during their time together. Parenting time refers to the schedule that dictates when the child lives with each parent. This schedule is outlined in a parenting plan, which is a detailed document designed to provide predictability and stability for the child. It removes the implication that one parent's home is permanent while the other is temporary.

What This Means for Your Family

This modern approach prioritizes the child's welfare above all else. By moving toward a language of shared duties, the legal system encourages parents to work together as a team, even after a divorce.

The new framework starts from the assumption that both parents are vital to a child's development. By allocating specific responsibilities and creating a clear parenting time schedule, it encourages parents to remain engaged and cooperative. This reduces the potential for conflict by setting clear expectations from the start.

Every decision made during a divorce must serve the child's best interests. This legal standard guides judges when creating or approving parenting plans. Factors considered often include:

• The child's relationship with each parent.
• The physical and mental health of everyone involved.
• The child's adjustment to their home, school, and community.
• Each parent's ability to foster a positive relationship between the child and the other parent.

A collaborative approach that emphasizes parenting time and responsibilities naturally aligns with this standard by keeping both parents actively involved.

Practical Advice for Navigating Your New Roles

Adjusting to co-parenting after a divorce takes time and effort. You and your former spouse can build a healthy and effective parenting partnership through effective communication, a detailed parenting plan, and always putting your children first. Working with a family lawyer can help you do what's best for your children by creating a parenting plan hat is fair, practical, and legally sound.

Contact a Divorce Lawyer in Concord, NH

The evolution from "custody" to "parental responsibilities" represents a positive change in family law. It encourages a more collaborative and child-focused approach to life after divorce. By understanding the new terminology, communicating effectively, and committing to a detailed parenting plan, you can navigate this transition and build a stable, loving environment where your children can thrive.

If you are beginning this process, consider seeking guidance from a family law professional who can help you understand your rights and responsibilities and create a plan that works best for your family. Celenza Family Law is a knowledgeable divorce lawyer who can help you navigate parenting rights in the aftermath of a divorce. Our divorce attorney will provide all the legal guidance you need to help you out with a complicated divorce case, especially when there are children involved. We have an understanding, compassionate team that will fight for parenting rights. Trust Celenza Family Law to help you craft an effective parenting plan that works for both parents and benefits the kids involved. If you need to find a divorce attorney in Concord, NH to help you establish a parenting plan and provide the representation you need in court, we are here to help you. Call us today to schedule an appointment!