The time a noncustodial parent spends with their child according to a court-ordered schedule.
Example
His visitation rights included every other weekend and Wednesday evenings.
Canadian Equivalent
In Canada, this is referred to as Parenting Time (under 2021 Divorce Act; 'access' was the former term, now replaced).
Jurisdiction Variations
FLORIDA
Time-Sharing
Florida eliminated the term 'visitation' in 2008; now uses 'time-sharing'
COLORADO
Parenting Time
Colorado uses 'parenting time' instead of 'visitation'
WASHINGTON
Residential Time
Washington uses 'residential time' under the parenting plan
MAINE
Parent-Child Contact
Maine avoids 'visitation' — uses 'parent-child contact' or 'residential responsibility'
MONTANA
Parenting Time
Montana uses 'parenting' framework
WEST-VIRGINIA
Custodial Allocation / Parenting Time
West Virginia uses parenting time
Related Terms
parenting-timeparenting-plansupervised-visitation