Child visitation rights are vital to any divorce agreement. Along with negotiating monetary agreements, the relationships you have with your children are one of your top priorities.

That's no surprise - every parent wants to spend as much time as possible with their children.

In Massachusetts, child visitation agreements are part of a normal divorce process when children are involved - but also with unmarried couples as well.

And typically, one of two scenarios will play-out regarding visitation rights.

One, the parents approach this issue with the best interests of the children in mind. They work it out between themselves with guidance from their attorneys.

Or two, the parents resent one another so much, they forget that there are children involved and only think about hurting each other.

In my experience, the first scenario is the best solution. Try to come to an agreement with the other parent because at the end of the day, if you can't, a Massachusetts Judge will Decide the terms of your relationship with your children for you. And that's a difficult position to put the Judge in - and their decision will rarely satisfy either party.

When I sit down with a client to discuss child visitation arrangements, we'll determine your objectives as a parent after the divorce, or for unmarried couples, as part of a custody and visitation agreement.

Besides reviewing what your goals are, we'll also talk about what the other parent is wishing to do and what their concerns are.

By doing this, both parties can keep child visitation disputes out of the courtroom and place the children's best interest first.

But, if the other party wants to play hard-ball, I have no problems taking the dispute to court and aggressively defending your rights as a parent.

If you have children, and need professional legal guidance for your child visitation needs, give me call at (617) 273-5110 or e-mail me here.

We'll spend a few minutes discussing your situation and determine the best course of action to meet your parenting goals.