When parents divorce or separate, the children will typically live with one parent — the custodial parent — while the other, non-custodial parent will maintain visitation rights or parental time. These visitation rights and arrangements vary from case to case.

Visitation or parenting time agreements are formalized in a divorce decree, separation or settlement agreement, or other court order. Changing a visitation schedule often requires the modification of this divorce decree, agreement, or order.

It is important to note that parents who were never married to each other have the same rights as parents who are divorcing or separating.