Types of Visitation Explained: What Parents Need to Know

Few topics stir deeper feelings than deciding how, when, and where a child will spend time with each parent after separation—questions about safety, stability, and fairness all crowd in at once. 

At Jackman Law Firm, we have stood beside Washington families since 2014, providing steady, practical advice as they make these difficult choices. 

This article outlines the kinds of visitation Washington courts may order and the factors that shape those orders, giving you a clear path forward.

Visitation Rights in Washington

Visitation rights, often called parenting time, refer to the legal privilege of a non-custodial parent spending time with their child. The goal is to protect the parent-child bond while meeting the child’s emotional and physical needs after the parents separate. Washington courts favor arrangements that keep both parents involved whenever that involvement benefits the child.

Because every family’s situation differs, courts rely on Washington’s Revised Code, mainly RCW 26.09, to weigh what serves a child’s best interests. Parenting plans spell out each parent’s time, decision-making power, and methods for resolving conflict. Visitation details sit at the heart of those plans.

Common Types of Visitation Arrangements in Washington

Washington offers several visitation formats. Courts pick the least restrictive option that still protects the child.

Unsupervised Visitation

Under this arrangement, the non-custodial parent spends time alone with the child at home, in parks, or anywhere both sides find suitable. Courts grant unsupervised visits when there is no credible safety risk, and both parents show basic cooperation. Pick-up and drop-off times appear in the parenting plan for consistency.

Supervised Visitation

When worries exist about substance use, past neglect, or violent behavior, the court orders a neutral adult to watch the visit. The supervisor may be a paid professional or a trusted family member named in the plan. Supervised visits often happen at verified visitation centers or other public locations that allow oversight.

Virtual Visitation

Video calls, online games, and social media messaging let parents who live far away, have health limits, or work odd hours keep daily contact. Courts treat virtual contact as a supplement, not a replacement, for in-person time whenever travel is possible.

Structured or Controlled Visitation

In high-conflict cases, courts can set strict rules about when visits start and end and what activities are allowed. To cut down on arguments, the plan might direct all exchanges at school or in a police station parking lot. Because every detail is preset, neither parent may alter the schedule without court approval.

The table below summarizes these options at a glance.

Factors Influencing Visitation Decisions

Court orders rest on one guiding question: “What arrangement best meets this child’s needs?” Judges sift through many details to reach that answer.

Specific Factors Considered by the Court

Below are the main points outlined in RCW 26.09 that go into a visitation ruling:

• Child’s Needs: Age, school schedule, health, and stated wishes if mature enough.
• Parents’ Background: Any record of violence, neglect, criminal charges, or untreated substance use.
• Parent’s Ability to Care: Mental and physical health, housing stability, and capacity to provide daily care.
• Relationship Between Parents: Willingness to share information, cooperate, and support the child’s bond with the other parent.
• Child’s Safety: Immediate or potential harm triggers supervised or restricted visitation.

A parent with steady employment, calm communication, and active involvement in schooling often gains wider visitation time. On the other hand, repeated no-shows, hostile messages, or unsafe living conditions can quickly shrink that time.

Modifying Visitation Orders in Washington

Life rarely stands still. Job changes, remarriage, health shifts, or a child’s new school may call for schedule updates. Either parent may file a Petition to Modify the Parenting Plan, but they must show a substantial change in circumstances that affects the child.

Common triggers for modification include:

1. One parent moves more than a short drive away.
2. Work hours change from day to night shifts.
3. The child’s therapy schedule or special-needs program creates conflicts.
4. Documented safety issues arise, such as a new domestic violence incident.

The parent asking for the change must supply proof, such as new school calendars, medical letters, or police reports, and explain how the updated plan better supports the child.

Enforcing Visitation Orders in Washington

If a parent blocks court-ordered visits or chronically cancels, the other parent can file a Petition for Contempt. Judges may respond with makeup time, fines, or even a switch in residential custody for serious or repeated violations.

Typical violations include:

• Refusing to turn the child over at the agreed exchange point.
• Withholding essential details, like a travel itinerary, that the plan requires.
• Speaking badly about the other parent during the child’s time can hurt the parent-child bond.

A written log of missed visits, emails, and texts can strengthen a contempt petition. Courts rely on clear evidence, not hearsay, to back enforcement measures.

Dedicated Legal Support for Your Family Law Needs

At Jackman Law Firm, we advocate for shared parenting, child safety, and your right to stay actively involved in your child’s life. Since 2014, we’ve helped Washington families create, modify, and enforce parenting plans with clarity and care. Call 206-558-5555 or visit our Contact Us page to schedule a personal consultation if you need support. We’ll answer your questions, explore your options, and take fast action to protect what matters most. A single conversation can lead to lasting peace and stability for your family.