return to home page COOPERATIVE PARENTING GUIDELINES
These guidelines are based upon the work of the Parental Access Committee of the Worcester Probate and Family Court (Massachusetts), as well as the published work of Mitchell A. Baris, Ph.D. And Carla B. Garrity, Ph.D. in their book "Children of Divorce". The guidelines assume a reasonable degree of communication and cooperation between both parents. The two key factors predictive of long-term child adjustment are: 1) continuity of contact between both parents and 2) minimization of conflict between the parents. All else is secondary!
This is what to expect from Massachusetts' Probate Courts in terms of child access and visitation:
AGE : 0 to 18 months:
Primary home base with a primary caretaker. Short, frequent time with the other parent, 2-3 contacts per week, 2-4 hours long. Overnights not recommended. Rationale: infant needs to develop/build a secure attachment to the primary caretaker. Psychological gain: attachment/security.
AGE: 18 to 36 months:
As above; 2-3 contacts per week. One overnight per week. Two, if child demonstrates good adjustment. Psychological gain: beginning of independent functioning; development of self-confidence; ability to separate form other parent.
AGE: 3 to 5 years:
Home base still needed. One to two nonconsecutive overnights weekly. If child adjusting well, possibility of two consecutive nights or two, one night overnights. Psychological gains: continued develop of individuality; ability to express feelings. The amount of time the child spends with each parent should reflect the proportion of each parent's prior involvement with the child.
AGE: 6 to 9 years:
Home base still required by many children. One to three consecutive nights with noncustodial parent. Children need contact with both parents. Both parents need to support child's activities.
AGE: 10 to 13 years:
Many different plans acceptable as long as plans provide for relatively frequent contact with both parents and continue to support child's activities.
AGE: 14 to 18 years:
Adolescents often provide key input and give shape to the schedule. However, structure, consistency and stability need to be maintained within the plan.