Holiday Visitation for Non Custodial Parent What rights does a non custodial parent have? When faced with a divorce or separation, it is important to understand the role that each party plays in the rights and responsibilities of both parents. This blog post will inform Custodial Parents and Non-Custodial Parents alike on the details surrounding their legal rights when it comes to parenting. By actively educating oneself and gaining an understanding of the laws regarding non-custodial parents, one can effectively provide fair support for themselves and their family while minimizing stress during this challenging life transition.
Keep on reading for what rights does a non custodial parent have.
What is A Non-Custodial Parent?

Before going to what rights does a non custodial parent have, check out the definition first. When it comes to raising their children, parents have two types of custody that they must consider: Physical and Legal.
- Physical Custody: The child is able to reside with the parent in a physical capacity.
- Legal Custody: Parents have a great deal of influence when it comes to their child’s educational, health care, and religious development. It is the responsibility of parents to make informed decisions about these matters that will shape their child’s future.
Normally, when people mention “custody” of a parent they are referring to physical custody. Unless their legal rights have been legally terminated either by choice or court order, parents will never lose their right to legal guardianship even if the child does not reside with them.
A non custodial parent‘s right is typically defined as the legal right of a non-custodial parent to have contact with their children. This can come in the form of visitation rights, parenting time and/or custody arrangements.
The courts may also grant what are known as “reasonable rights” for a non-custodial parent; these rights involve what are considered reasonable contact between the non-custodial parent and the child.
Generally speaking, this right allows a non-custodial parent to maintain some level of influence on the life of their child, assuming that it is in the best interest of the child. That’s about a basic definition of non-custodial parents. Keep on reading for what rights does a non custodial parent have.
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What Rights Does A Non Custodial Parent Have?

As a non-custodial parent, you have rights to legal custody and visitation. We’ve already highlighted non custodial parent, thus, we’ll discuss visitation rights instead. A non-custodial parent has all right to physically see their children as well as talk to them over the phone, make video calls, & text.
Generally speaking, however, some of the most common rights granted to non-custodial parents include:
– The right to reasonable visitation with the child (including overnights, holidays, and vacations)
– The right to request changes in the parenting plan if it is not in the best interest of the child
– The right to participate in decision-making related to education, medical care, and extracurricular activities
– The right to be informed of any changes in the child’s health, development, or education
– The right to receive financial support from the custodial parent
– The right to seek legal action if the custodial parent is not fulfilling their responsibilities.
How Can A Non Custodial Parent Lose their Rights?

The parents usually create their own visitation schedule, then provide it to the Court for confirmation with a court order. On other occasions, however, the Court may establish the timetable without consulting either parent.
The Court mandates visitation times, and thus the custodial parent cannot restrict those rights without a legitimate emergency. The only power to change or limit a non-custodial parent’s schedule lies with the Court itself.
Remember, when it comes to what rights does a non custodial parent have, visitation rights are completely separate from child support payments. Even if you haven’t made any court-ordered financial contributions, the other parent cannot deny you access to your children.
If the Court discovers it is in the best interests of a minor, visitation can be altered. A few of the most recurrent grounds for restricting visitation include:
- Drug/alcohol abuse concerns
- Anger issues
- Neglect/inattention
- Abuse
- Mental/physical instability.
Unless there is an extraordinary circumstance, the Court will not entirely prohibit visitation. Even in cases involving abuse, some type of visitation arrangement (usually supervised) may be approved by the court. Visitation could also potentially be reduced or assigned to a third party for monitoring purposes.
What Legal Responsibility does Non Custodial Parent Have?

Every parent has a legal obligation to financially support their child. Typically, a non-custodial parent receives support in the form of child support or other financial assistance. As an example of financial help, paying for the child’s healthcare coverage can be made.
When a child visits the non-custodial parent, the non-custodial parent still has all the responsibilities associated with caring for a child. Examples of these general obligations include ensuring that the child has a safe place to rest and sleep and enough food to eat.
That’s all for what rights does a non custodial parent have. Keep on reading this blog for further information of rights of non custodial parents.
Conclusion
Parental rights of non custodial parents are established by the court and should be followed. Visitation times, as well as other privileges, can be altered if there is a serious emergency or if it is believed that it will benefit the child in some way.
There are no preferential custody rights granted to either mothers or fathers, so both sides have the same opportunity to gain legal guardianship. Despite what media may suggest, the decision-making process is gender neutral and based on what is in the best interest of the child.
If you believe your parental rights have been violated, contact an experienced family attorney who can provide further guidance on what steps to take next. Thank you for reading at “What rights does a non custodial parent have?”
FAQs of Rights for Non Custodial Parent
What if I violate the rights as a non custodial parent?
If you violate the rights of a non-custodial parent, such as denying visitation or refusing to abide by court orders, you may be subject to legal consequences. This could include being held in contempt of court, paying fines and/or even jail time. The custodial parent can also pursue a restraining order against the non-custodial parent should they violate the court orders.
Does the non custodial parent have the right to make decisions for their child?
No, generally speaking the non-custodial parent does not have any legal authority to make decisions for their child. In most cases, it is only the custodial parent who has this right, although the court may grant some decision-making power to the non-custodial parent in certain circumstances. Additionally, both parents usually have a say when making decisions related to education, medical care and extracurricular activities.
Does Oregon grant preferential custody rights to mothers in legal proceedings?
Under Oregon law, neither parents are given preference in custody cases. Both mothers and fathers have an equal right to take legal action to gain or maintain parental rights. In fact, the courts typically believe having both parents involved is in the best interest of a child’s life and will work towards that end whenever possible.
When determining child custody, who is more likely to be awarded legal guardianship?
The typical mother is typically given 65% of custody time, whereas a father receives 35%. However, over the years – since 16% in 1994 to 20.1% in 2018 – fathers have been becoming custodial parents more and more often.
What rights does a non custodial parent have in Texas vs NY?
The rights for a non-custodial parent can vary from state to state. In Texas, some of the basic rights of a non-custodial parent include visitation rights, the right to communicate with their child, and the right to be involved in decision making regarding the child’s medical care and education. In New York, a non-custodial parent can also enjoy these rights, as well as the right to attend their child’s school events and activities. It is important to keep in mind that each state may have different laws regarding what rights a non custodial parent has, so if you are unsure it’s best to check with an attorney.
Are the rights of non custodial parent have the same from states to states?
No, the rights of a non-custodial parent vary from state to state. Some states might grant more or fewer rights to the non-custodial parent as compared to another state. It is important to research what laws and regulations are in place for your particular situation, or seek advice from an attorney if you have any questions. Every state has its own set of guidelines and rules, so what works in one state might not work in another.
Can a non custodial parent contest custody?
Yes, a non-custodial parent can contest the decision of the court regarding child custody. The process for doing this will vary from state to state, but the non-custodial parent can generally do so by filing a motion to modify child custody. This is an important step as it may help the non custodial parent receive more time with their child. It is important to speak to an attorney if you are considering contesting custody as they can provide further guidance on what steps to take.
Can a non custodial parent request more visitation rights?
Yes, a non-custodial parent can request additional visitation rights from the court. This process will vary from state to state and what is granted will depend upon what is in the best interest of the child. It’s important to note that while a parent may have what he or she believes is a valid need to request more visitation, the court will ultimately make the final determination on what additional rights are granted. If you believe that additional visitation should be considered, it’s best to consult an attorney for assistance.
Can a non custodial parent get child support?
Yes, a non-custodial parent can request and receive child support. The amount of the support is determined by the court and will depend on what is in the best interest of the child as well as what financial resources are available to both parents.
As a non custodial parent, what other rights do I have?
Other than visitation, communication, and decision making rights, a non custodial parent may also have the right to ask for relocation rights or shared custody. Depending on what is in the best interest of the child, some states might consider granting either of these options. It’s important to speak to an attorney if you are considering any of these options as each state will have different regulations in place.