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