visitation

In most cases, child custody, visitation (also known as parenting time) and child support are established at the same time by a judge. Consequently, many parents think that child support is tied to visitation rights. However, child support payment does not affect parents' visitation rights. Massachusetts child custody guidelines state that children must be allowed to enjoy the society, love and companionship of both parents to the fullest extent possible. According to the child custody guidelines, judges determine child custody, visitation and support according to the following principles: Providing a standard of living the child would have enjoyed had the…