Visitation FAQs
I have physical custody of two small children. I have a judgment which grants my ex-spouse visitation. Unfortunately, he has a terrible time remembering when his visits start and end, particularly around holidays, special occasions and in the summer. Too many of our special times are spoiled because of arguments over whether it is his turn or my turn to have the kids or when his visits start and end. Do you have any helpful ideas?
Our office uses "Kidmate" software by Lapin Agile. Among other things, this software allows us to print out, in calendar form, every visitation scheme imaginable. Accordingly, we can now provide our clients a color-coded calendar for the entire year - or beyond- showing when the children will be with each parent. The calendar includes start and end times for regular holiday and summer visitation. Each parent can simply post the calendar on his or her fridge and both will know exactly when the children will be with mom and when they will be with dad. The calendar can also be used as a journal to record visitation events, good or bad, as they occur. Our fee for providing this service is quite reasonable.
Can grandparents obtain a Court Order allowing them to spend time with their grandchildren?
Absolutely! Both North Dakota and Minnesota allow grandparents to obtain a Court Order allowing reasonable visitation with grandchildren. The grandparents do have a burden of proof, however. The grandparents must prove that visitation (1) will be in the best interests of the children and (2) will not interfere with the relationship between the children and their parents. The Courts generally believe that children benefit from a relationship with extended family members. Accordingly, they are usually receptive to a grandparent's request for visitation.
I have physical custody of two small children. I have a judgment which grants my ex-spouse visitation. Unfortunately, my ex-spouse and I do not get along and our visitation exchanges turn into a mess. Do you have any helpful ideas?
Rainbow Bridge Safe Exchange/Visitation Center offers a positive, safe, child friendly and neutral site where children and parents can be assured that a supervised visitation or exchange will be safe and conflict free. All services provided by Rainbow Bridge are confidential. Rainbow Bridge is located at 715 North 11th Street, Suite 101, in Moorhead, Minnesota. You can reach Rainbow Bridge at (218) 299-7694 or 1 (800) 452-3646, ext. 7694.
