When parents separate or divorce, figuring out how and when each parent will spend time with their child is one of the most important parts of the process. In Arizona, visitation—often called “parenting time”—helps maintain healthy, consistent relationships between children and both parents. Whether you’re working out a new plan or adjusting an existing one, we’ll help you put together a schedule that supports your child’s needs and fits your family’s circumstances.
At Cohen Family Law, we work with families across Scottsdale to build parenting time arrangements that are practical, respectful, and tailored to real life.
Types of Visitation Arrangements
Every family has a different rhythm. That’s why Arizona courts recognize several different types of visitation. We can help you determine what makes the most sense based on your situation.
Common visitation arrangements include:
- Scheduled Visitation – This is the most structured setup. Parents agree on specific days and times for visits, such as alternating weekends or midweek dinners.
- Reasonable Visitation – This is more flexible and relies on parents cooperating and working out plans as they go. It works well for families with good communication.
- Supervised Visitation – In cases involving concerns about safety or a child’s emotional well-being, a third party may be required to supervise visits.
- Therapeutic Visitation – Visits take place with a mental health professional present to help improve the parent-child relationship in a structured setting.
- Virtual Visitation – When in-person time isn’t possible, parents can still stay connected through video calls, text messages, and email. Virtual options are especially helpful when distance or health concerns are involved.
Creating an Effective Visitation Schedule
A strong visitation schedule makes life more predictable for everyone, especially children. It’s not just about fairness; it’s about building a routine that helps kids feel secure.
Good schedules take into account:
- School and daycare schedules
- Each parent’s work hours
- Extracurricular activities
- Travel time between homes
- Age and developmental needs of the child
We’ll help you think through all of these details and prepare a plan that’s realistic and respectful of each parent’s role. The clearer the schedule, the less likely you’ll run into misunderstandings or disputes later.
Holiday and Special Occasion Planning
Holidays and special occasions can be joyful—but also stressful—if the parenting plan doesn’t cover them well. Deciding how to divide up these meaningful days ahead of time makes a big difference.
Some families choose to:
- Alternate holidays each year (for example, one parent gets Thanksgiving in even years, the other in odd years)
- Split the day (such as Christmas morning with one parent, afternoon with the other)
- Celebrate together, if appropriate and healthy for everyone involved
You can also include school breaks, birthdays, and religious holidays in your plan. Scottsdale families often benefit from setting expectations early to avoid last-minute disagreements when holidays roll around.
Long-Distance Parenting and Virtual Options
When one parent lives far away—whether it’s a neighboring city or another state—standard visitation arrangements may not work. But that doesn’t mean a strong parent-child relationship is out of reach.
Here are a few ways to make long-distance parenting work:
- Schedule longer blocks of time during school breaks or summer vacation
- Use regular video calls and messaging to stay in touch during the week
- Coordinate travel in advance, including who covers transportation costs
Arizona courts, including those in Scottsdale, recognize that maintaining contact through technology is a valuable way for parents and children to bond when physical distance is a factor. We’ll help you create a plan that supports connection, no matter the miles.
Documentation and Record-Keeping Requirements
Even when things are going smoothly, it’s smart to keep a record of parenting time. If disagreements arise or a modification becomes necessary, having clear records can help.
We recommend:
- Keeping a calendar of all scheduled and actual visits
- Saving communication logs (texts, emails) about schedule changes
- Noting missed visits or issues, if they occur
This isn’t about building a case—it’s about protecting yourself and your child’s best interests. We’ll show you how to document visitation respectfully and effectively.
Contact an Experienced Scottsdale Visitation Attorney
At Cohen Family Law, we know parenting time isn’t one-size-fits-all. We work closely with families in Scottsdale to create visitation plans that are fair, thoughtful, and built to last. Whether you’re putting together a new schedule or need help enforcing or modifying an existing one, we can help. Contact us today, and let us help you move forward with confidence.
