The New Language Of Parenting After Divorce - Whatever Happened To "Custody" A

[Antonia Eastwood]

Around the world, the terms "custody" and "visitation" in divorce are
gradually becoming things of the past. For example, "custody" is being
replaced with terms like "parental responsibility" and "visitation" is
being replaced with terms like "parenting time" or "parental access."
Where "custody" implies ownership and possession where children are
concerned, "parental responsibility" recognizes that divorce does not
diminish either parents' rights and responsibilities.
Where "visitation" implies that the children belong to one parent and
the other parent is allowed to visit them from time to time,
"parenting time" recognizes the importance of each parent's
relationship and contact with the children.
During a divorce, parents can work together to reach agreements about
parenting issues such as how decisions will be made regarding the
children, and what kind of parenting time each parent will enjoy with
the children (the parenting plan).
Some will do this on their own, and some will work with a mediator to
help them put together a parenting plan. When parents are unable to
craft a parenting plan for themselves, the court will do it for them.
It is the children's interests, not the parents' interests that guide
the court, who will carefully consider the physical, mental, and
emotional conditions and needs of the children.
The new language of parenting after divorce reflects a shift in
thinking that encourages families to work together to find healthy,
collaborative and peaceful ways to transition into their new phase of
life.
Children can thrive, even through divorce, when parents understand how
this new terminology helps put their children's needs ahead of their
own and encourage love, affection, and contact between the children
and each parent.