As part of a dissolution of marriage proceeding, the court will often make a determination as to both parents rights and obligations regarding the minor children. There are several significant issues here:

  1. Parenting and Time Sharing, and
  2. Parenting Plan.

The courts now refer to custody as “Parenting or Time Sharing”. Parenting generally means that each parent will have an equal say in the major decisions affecting the welfare of the minor children. Sole parental responsibility is awarded to one parent in very limited situations. Visitation is now more appropriately referred to as “Time Sharing”, i.e. the time the parent spends with the minor child or children. There are many variations and arrangements here also and the parties will complete a State required Parenting Plan.