CHILDACCESS

&
CUSTODY
GUIDELINES

APPROVEDBYTHEHON'BLEHIGHCOURTOFHIMACHALPRADESH

1.
CHILDACCESS&VISITATIONGUIDELINES
BY
CHILDRIGHTSFOUNDATION
INTRODUCTION:
Therecenttrendinthesocietyisseeingaparadigmchangein
the matrimonial relationship. The numbers of divorce cases are
rising, particularly in the last decade, more and more middle and
lowermiddleclasscoupleshavebeenapproachingcourtfordivorce,
resulting in rise of bitter child custody battles. Often, the
innocent children are used as tools of vengeance by vindictive
litigantswhoinflictsevereemotionalandpsychologicalabuseonthe
childtherebyseriouslyaffectingthechildinhis/herlaterpartof
life.Failureinmarriagesissometimesduetolackofawarenessor
realization among the litigants where often one of the partner
suffersfromapersonalitydisorderand/oradjustmentdisorderwhich
canbeeasilydiagnosedthroughpsychologicalevaluation.
AseriousneedisfeltforapproachingtheHonbleCourtaswell
asHCtosetproperguidelinesfortheCourts,asthiswillhelpin
disposingoffthecasesquicklyinascientificmannerratherthanon
speculation.
In family disputes, litigants often make false and vindictive
allegationsagainsteachother,wasting&consumingenormouscourts
timewhichcanbereducedconsiderably.
Furtheritwouldalsohelptosomeextentinreconciliationof
maritaldisputes.
Presently, even the Legal system, bureaucrats, politicians,
statutoryagenciesforchildwelfare,NGOsetc.,haveforgottenor
missed to appreciate or understand child rights as well as the
immense emotional trauma that innocent children undergo in the
processofcustodylitigationandparentseparationduetolackof
loveandaffectionfromboththeparents.
Deprivingloveandaffectionofbothparents,moreparticularly
duetoalienationofthechildbythecustodialparentandordenial
ofproperaccesstothenoncustodialparentbythecourtswithout
realizingtheseriousconsequencescausedinthelaterpartofthe
childs life such as drug abuse, deteriorating educational
achievement, premature sexuality, mental/ personality disorder,
chronic depression, suicidal tendency, out of wedlock birth, and
oftenamajorforcebehindseriouscrimes.
Thereisanurgentneedtoestablishwelldefinedframeworkand
guidelinesforcourtsandthecounselorstoimplementwhiledeciding
thecustodyofthechildren.
Delay in action or callous approach, what kind of future
society/generationarewegoingtocreate.

2.
Needlesstosaytodaysyoutharegoingtobeleaders&thinkersof
tomorrow.TheNationsfuturedependsupontodayschildren.Hence,
immediateinterventionofhighercourtsmust.
Presently these issues are being decided in an absolutely
subjective fashion by the courts seriously affecting the mental
healthofthetenderchildrenaswellasspecificviolationsofUN
ConventiononrightsoftheChild.
Oneofthefundamentalrightsofthechildrenistogetloveand
affectionfromboththeparents(irrespectiveofparentsconflicts),
righttoqualityoflifeandsurvival,andrighttobecared,right
to develop a sense of belonging, right to participate fully in
family,culturalandsociallife.
WewouldliketobringspecificfocustoArticle39(e)&(f),
thestateshalldirectitsPolicyinsuchamannerthatthetender
ageofchildrenisnotabusedandchildrenaregivenopportunities
and facilities to develop in a healthy manner and childhood is
protected against exploitation and against moral and material
abandonment.
While framing guidelines a clear distinction needs to be made
betweentheRightsoftheChildversustheRightsofaParent(which
invariablyendsupbeinginterpretedasRightsofonlythemother).
Indiaandthe*UNCRC
TheUNCRCUnitedNationsConventionontheRightsoftheChild
(UNCRC) a clarion of worldwide movement and the pinnacle of
international effort to promote the basic needs of children as
fundamentalhumanrightsisaremarkableandwonderfulgifttothe
children which is given a go by by our current legal system.
(India along with 193 countries has also agreed to undertake the
obligations of the Convention by ratifying to it as on December
2008).

3.
INTERIMCHILDVISITATIONGUIDELINES
Immediatelywithinoneweekfromthedateofserviceofsummons
or the first meeting with the counselor for mediation and
conciliation,partiesshalldrawupaninterimvisitationplan.
Thebasicprinciplesofthecourtsaretoensurethatthechild/
childrenget(s)tospendequalorsubstantialandsignificanttimeto
be showered with love and affection from both the parents
irrespectiveofparentsconflict.
Effortsshouldbemadebypartiesandifnecessarycourtshould
direct parties to mutually agree upon a visitation schedule to be
drawnupalongwiththeMarriageCounselorwithinamaximumperiodof
60days.Pending,finalizationofmutualfinalovernightvisitation
agreement,aninterimaccesshastobeworkedoutimmediately.
If the parties cannot agree on visitation, their first
alternative is to mediate the conflict. Visitation is for the
primarybenefitofthechild.Visitationshouldnotbeviewedasa
privilege to be exercised at the whim of either parent, but as a
responsibilitythatshouldbefulfilledasanecessarycause. The
custodial parent is expected to provide access of each child at
unscheduledtimesifrequestedandiftodosowouldnotunreasonable
disrupt prior planned activities of the child or the custodial
parent.
REINTRODUCTIONOFABSENTPARENT: The Guidelines assume that each
parenthasbeenacontinuouspresenceinthechildrenslives. In
theeventthataparenthashadlimitedornocontactwithhisorher
childrenandwishestobereintroducedintothechildrenslives,it
isuptotheparentstoagreeonthemeansbywhichthisistobe
accomplished. If the parents are unable to agree, the first
alternative shall be to mediate the conflict. If mediation is
successful,itshallbetheresponsibilityoftheCourttoadopta
scheduletoeasethereintroduction.
CHAPTER1
INTERIMVISITATION
Thefollowingvisitationguidelinesshouldbalancetheneedsof
both parent and Child, regardless of whether that child has older
siblingextendedvisitationwiththeNoncustodialparent.
A.VISITATION(CHILDRENAGEDBETWEEN0TO36MONTHS)
Thefollowingvisitationguidelinesshouldbalancetheneedsof
both parent and child, regardless of whether that child has older
siblings that enjoy extended visitation with the Noncustodial
parent.
1.WEEKENDS:
TheNoncustodialparentshallbeentitledtoweekend
visitation every weekend. For children between 0 to 36 months
visitationshallbebetween11A.M.to2.00P.M.or4.30P.M.to7.30
P.M.onSaturdayandSundayduringtheweekendandTwice(twotimes)
duringWeekendbetweenMondaytoFridayfor1%hours(90minutes).

4.
2.WEEKDAYVISITATION:
The Noncustodial parent shall be entitled
tovisitationtwo(2)eveningsperweekduringweekdaybetweenMonday
toFridayfor1%hours(90Minutes). Theseshallbethesametwo
evenings every week and varied only if the weekday visitation
schedule conflicts with the holiday or vacation schedule. If the
parties cannot agree, weekday visitation shall be on Monday and
Wednesday.
3.HOLIDAYS:
Thenoncustodialparentshallbeentitledtospendat
least 3 Three hours on the holiday or festive day including 15th
August, 25th January, 26th January, 15th April, 2nd October, 14th
November(Childrensday)excludingthetimeoftravel. Onlywhere
itisnotpossibletoshareduringthefestivaldayduetoreasonsof
distance or otherwise. In oddnumbered years, the Noncustodial
parent shall be entitled to spend with the minor child; in even
numbered years, the schedule shall be reversed. A partys
entitlementtoHolidayvisitationoverridestheotherparty'sright
toregularlyscheduledweeknightorweekendvisitation.Ifeitheror
both parties celebrate other holidays, such holidays should be
writtendown,dividedandalternatedeachyear.
Note:
Forchildrenagedbetween0to36monthsitshallbeopen
forthecustodialparenttoremainpresentduringvisitation.
i. Visitationshallbefrom11.00a.m.until2:00p.m.or4.00p.m.
to7.00p.m.ontheofficialholiday.
B.VISITATION(CHILDREN36MONTHSAND
4.WEEKENDS:
TheNoncustodialparentshallbeentitledtoweekend
visitationeveryotherweekendoreveryweekendonenighteveryweek.
EveryotherweekendVisitationshallbeginFridayat4:00p.m.and
endat 4:00p.m. onSunday. Ifevery weekend visitation isopted
then every weekovernight visitation shall begin eitherfrom every
Friday at 4.00 p.m. and end on Saturday 4.00 p.m. or from every
Saturday4.00p.m.andendon4.00p.m.onSunday. Itisnotthe
responsibilityofthecustodialparenttoprovidefoodorshelterfor
thechildduringtheNoncustodialparentparentsvisitation.
5.WEEKDAYVISITATION:
If the parties reside within thirty (30)
Kilometersdrivingdistanceofeachother,theNoncustodialparent
shall have visitation two (2) evening per week for 2 two hours
between 2.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m., but shall exercise the weekday
visitationinthelocaleofthechildsprimaryresidenceorwithin
theradiusof10tenkilometers. Theprecedingsentenceshallnot
preclude occasional travel beyond the thirty (30) Kilometers for
specialweekdayevents.Theweekdayvisitationshallbeonthesame
eveningeachweekandvariedonlyifitconflictswiththeholidayor
vacationschedule.Ifthepartiescannotagreeontheweeknightand
if there are no scheduled activities for Wednesday, it shall be
Wednesdayeveningfor2hours.Ifthereareactivitiesscheduledfor
Wednesday,

5.
the Noncustodial parent shall have first choice of an alternate
weekdayforweekdayvisitation.
6.HOLIDAYS:
Thenoncustodialparentshallbeentitledtospendat
leastThree(3)hoursonholidaysandfestivalday
excludingthetimeoftravel.Onlywhereitisnotpossibletoshare
duringtheholidaysandfestivaldayduetoreasonsofdistanceor
otherwise.ApartysentitlementtoHolidayvisitationoverridesthe
other partys right to regularly scheduled weeknight or weekend
visitation.Ifeitherorbothpartiescelebrateotherholidays,such
holidays should be written down, divided and alternated. In the
absenceofanagreement,thecourtshallallocatereligiousholidays
betweentheparties.
i.Visitationshallbefrom11:00a.m.until2:00p.m.Orfrom4.00
pmto7.00pmontheofficialholiday.
7.CHILDRENCOMPLEXROOM:
Whereaccesseventhougheitheragreed
bymutualconsentororderedbythecourtisnotbeinggrantedtothe
noncustodial parent. Childrens complex room situated in the
premisesoftheCourtsorsuchotherplaceaseithermutuallyagreed
ordirectedbythecourtsuchaspremisesmadeavailableandapproved
by the Honble Court shall be used for purposes of counseling the
childortheparentforaspecificperiodandthereafteraccesscan
continueasperschedulesetforth.

6.
CHAPTER2
FINAL CHILD VISITATION GUIDELINES PENDING CUSTODY ORDER OF THE
HONBLECOURT.
8.
GENERALPROVISIONS
Theparentwithprimarycustody(parentwhoishavingcustodyof
childsincebirthandistakingcareofthedaytodayandhourto
hourneedofthechild)shallbereferredtohereinasthecustodial
parent, and the other parent shall be referred to as the Non
custodialparent.
9.
ACCESSVISITATIONSCHEDULE:
ThisvisitationschedulehasbeenapprovedbytheHonbleHigh
CourtofH.P.asamodelvisitationschedule.Partiestoanyorder
enteredbeforetheeffectivedateoftheseguidelinesmayagreein
writing to the provisions herein, otherwise, such parties shall
continuetocomplywiththeoldorderunlessamodificationofthe
orderisenteredbythecourt.
i.
If the parties cannot agree on visitation, their first
alternativeistomediatetheconflict. Evenifmediationdoesnot
work then the courtcanpass anappropriateorder in terms of the
visitationscheduleforpartiestocomply.Specialreasonsmayexist
toalterthisvisitationschedulesuchas:ageofthechild,health,
specialcareneeds,etc.
ii. Withinaperiodofnotmorethan60dayspartiesshalldrawup
andfinalizeafinalscheduleofvisitationasperchapter3below.
iii. Onthevisitationschedulebeingdrawnandagreeduponbetween
thecustodialandthenoncustodialparentthecounselorshallhave
thesamedulyexecutedbythepartiesandthesameshallbeplacedon
recordfortheapprovaloftheHonbleCourt. Partiesshallcomply
withtheagreementinfullandanyviolationshallgiverisetocause
ofactiontotheaggrievedpartytoseekappropriatedirectionsfrom
thecourt.
A. The nocontact or limitationofcontact provisions of any
domestic violence case, injunction case, juvenile case, or
criminalcasesupersedeanycontactprovisionssetforthin
theseguidelines. Thatis,thenocontactorlimitationof
contactprovisionsofanydomesticviolencecase,injunction
case,juvenilecase,orcriminalcaseshouldbefollowedas
setforthbythejudgeinthatcase.Itmaybenecessaryto
seek a modification of the no contact or limitationof
contactprovisionsinordertofacilitatevisitation.
B. The term local shall apply to parties residing within 25
drivingkilometersofeachother.
C. The term non local shall apply to parties not residing
within25drivingKilometersofeachother.
10.ENFORCEMENTOFVISITATIONSCHEDULE: If the parties cannot agree
on visitation, their first alternative is to mediate the conflict.
Evenifmediationdoesnotworkthen

7.
thecourtcanpassanappropriateorderintermsofthevisitation
scheduleforpartiestocomply.
11.MEDICATION,ILLNESSORACCIDENT:
If medication or therapy has
beenprescribedforthechild,thenbothparentsshallwithoutfail
providethechildallmedicalprescriptiondosages,treatmentand/or
therapyasmaybeprescribedforthechild.Theparentsshallshare
the health care professionals name and phone number as well as
instructionsfortreatment.Ifthechildbecomesillorisinvolved
inanaccident,andtreatmentbyamedicalprofessionalisobtained,
theparentwhohasthechildatthetimeoftheillnessoraccident
shall notify the other parent as soon as practicable but no later
thanthree(3)hoursaftertheincidentordiagnosis.ILLNESSOFTHE
CHILDSHALLNOTPREVENTVISITATIONWITHTHECHILD.UNLESSTHECHILD
ISHOSPITALIZEDNONCUSTODIALPARENTCANVISITTHECHILDINHOSPITAL.
12.COMMUNICATIONS. Provided that both parents have telephones in
theirhomes,thechildshallbeentitledtelephonecommunicationat
least once every day with both parents. Each parent shall
immediately deliver to the child all letters, cards, emails,
correspondence, telephone messages, gifts, toys, clothes and other
itemssenttothatchildbytheotherparent.Neitherparentshall
withhold, return, destroy, giveaway, sell or otherwisedisposeof
anysuchitems. Ifeitherparentplansavacationortripoutof
town with the child for three (3) days or more, that parent must
provide the other parent with a general itinerary, a phone number
where the child can be reached, and the dates of departure and
return. Each Parent shall provide the other Parent promptly upon
beingrequestedtodoso,withinformationconcerningthewellbeing
of said children including, but not limited to; monthly school
attendancereports,reportsconcerningcompletionofhomework,copies
of report cards, school meeting notices, vacation schedules, class
programs, requests for conferences, results of diagnostic tests,
notices of activities involving said children, samples of school
work, order forms for school pictures, communications from health
care providers: the names, addresses and telephone numbers of all
schools, preschools, regular day care providers, all health care
providers, counselors, or other activity supervisor, and friends,
schoolmatesandrelatives.
13. SCHEDULED EVENTS: Both parents shall be entitled and are
encouragedtoattendandparticipateinthechildsspecialevents,
such as school programs, graduation, sports, recitals, and other
extracurricular activities. When the child has extracurricular
activities, the parent caring for the child when the child has
extracurricularactivities,theparentcaringforthechildwhenthe
activity is scheduled should assure the childs attendance. Each
parentshalladvisetheotherparentofextracurricularactivitiesin
whichthechildparticipateswithintwenty

8.
four(24)hoursofnotificationofaneventoractivity.Eachparent
shallmakeaneffortnottoscheduleactivitiesforthechildthat
interfereswiththeotherparentsvisitationtimewiththechild.
14.ADDITIONALVISITATION:
a.
TheNoncustodialparentshallbeentitledtoexercise
other reasonable visitation in the locale of the childs
primary residence or at other places like club, place of
worship,shop,ground,mall,uponreasonablenoticesubject
to a minimum of 12 hours notice to the custodial parent
whenever.Theremaybeneedwherethenoncustodialparent
may wish and desire that the child should be present on
certain occasions such as poojas, religious functions,
birthdays, anniversary celebration, inaugurations,
marriage, or emergencies such as untimely death or
hospitalization of a close relative such as
grandparent/relations etc. In such circumstances the
custodial parent shall allow access of the child
immediately.
15.ADEQUATE AND CLEAN CLOTHINGFORVISITATION: Adequate and clean
clothing shall be supplied by the custodial parent and all these
clothes shall be returned in the same clean condition by the Non
custodial parent to the custodial parent after each visitation
period.
16. INTENTTORELOCATE:
Neitherpartytothesuitcanrelocate
unless final visitation rights agreement as set out is signed and
finalized.
17. NOTICEOFINTENTTORELOCATE: Intheeventthateitherparent
intendstorelocateoutsideoflocalareaofresidenceofthenon
custodialparent,he/sheshallprovidetheotherparentwithninety
(90)dayswrittennoticepriortoanyrelocation.Thisisanotice
provisiononlyanddoesnoteliminatetheneedforcourtapprovalof
suchrelocationiflegallynecessary. Intheeventsuchrelocation
doestakeplaceandthecustodialparentispermittedtorelocateand
furtherifthenoncustodialparentinordertobeabletobenear
thechildandforthesakeofthechildalsochoosestorelocatethen
undersuchcircumstancesthenoncustodialparentonrelocationshall
enjoythesameaccessschedulesasalreadydecidedandagreedwithout
any alterations. In the event the noncustodial parents status
changesfrom Nonlocal toLocaltheaccess scheduleshall also
likewisechangeandthenoncustodialparentshallbeentitledtoall
provisionsoflocalaccess.
18.CHANGESINADDRESSANDPHONENUMBERS: Neither parent shall
conceal the whereabouts of the child from the other parent.
Eachpaeentshalladvisetheotherparentatalltimesofthe
residenceaddressandtelephonenumberwherethechildwillbe
aswellastheparentsworktelephonenumber. Ifaresidence
or

9.
telephone number changes, the parent making the change shall
notify the other parent personally or by telephone within
twentyfour(24) hours and in writing within seventy two (72)
hoursofthechange.
19. CHILDSUPPORT/MAINTENANCE:
Nonpayment or late payment of
childsupportisNOTanacceptablereasontodenyorinterferewith
visitation. Conversely, denial of visitation is NOT justification
fornonpaymentorlatepaymentofchildsupport. Childsupportand
childvisitationareseparateandindependentissuesandarenotto
be manipulated by either parent to gain leverage over the other
parent with regard to visitation or child support. Child support
shall NOT stop during visitation periods, unless provided by court
order.
20. FLEXIBILITYANDTHEBESTINTERESTSOFTHECHILD:Theparentsmay
agreetochangethisscheduletomeettheneedsoftheirchild.The
parents are encouraged to put such changes in writing. If the
parentsdonotagreetovisitationschedulechanges,theymustadhere
totheseguidelines,oraparentinviolationmaybeheldincontempt
ofcourt.
21. SHIFTOFCUSTODY:FORREASONSOFCHILDALIENATION/TUTORING/MIND
POISONING/BRAINWASHING/PARENTALALIENATIONSYNDROME: Intheeventit
isobservedorallegedbyconcretesubstantiveevidenceormaterial
placed on record enumerating instances as listed below the court
shallproceedtoseriouslyentertainanddecidethatthecustodyof
thechildbeshiftedfromthecustodialparenttothenoncustodial
parentsontheirbeingconclusiveevidencetosubstantiateeitherany
oneormoreofthefollowing:
A custodial parent who unjustifiably punishes her divorcing or
divorcedNoncustodialparentby:
i.
Attempting to alienate their mutual child(ren) from the Non
custodialparent.
ii. Anyact,deeddoneorcausedtobedonebythecustodialparent
whichmayleadtotheinfringementoftherightofthenoncustodial
parentsvisitation.
iii. InvolvingothersinmaliciousactionsagainsttheNoncustodial
parent.
iv. Engaginginexcessivelitigation.
v.
The custodial parent specifically attempts to deny her
child(ren) regular uninterrupted visitation with the Noncustodial
parent.
vi. UninhibitedtelephoneaccesstotheNoncustodialparent.
vii. ObstructsorcausesanyobstructionintheNoncustodialparents
participation in the child(ren)s school life and extracurricular
activities.
viii.
The pattern is pervasive and includes malicious acts
towardstheNoncustodialparentincluding:
ix. Lyingtothechildren

x.
Lyingtoothers10.
xi. ViolationsoflaworMakingFalseComplaints.
xii. Thedisorderisnotspecificallyduetoanothermentaldisorder
althoughaseparatementaldisordermaycoexist.
22.NEWSPOUSEORCOMPANION: The parents shall not encourage the
child to call a new spouse or companion Papa Mummy, Father,
Dad,Mother,Mom,orsimilarnames,
as such is detrimental to the childs relationship with his/her
naturalparentsandmayconfuseandadverselyaffectthechild. A
substitutenamemaybesuggestedorencouraged. Eachparentshall
encourageanewspouseorcompanionnottoconfrontortointerfere
with the other parents contacts or visitation with the child and
each parent is expected to prevent any such confrontation or
interference. Theotherparentshallnotbeadversarialorhostile
to a new spouse or companion but shall be courteous, polite,
respectful,andnonthreatening.Unlessotherwiseorderedoragreed
bytheparties,theparentsareexpectedtospeakdirectlywitheach
other concerning all matters related to a divorce or separation
judgmentororder.
23. NAME OF THE CHILD & SURMANE: The custodial parent shall be
entitled tochange the nameor the surname of the childwhich has
beengiventothechildaspereitheraceremonyperformedforthe
sameorthenamealongwiththefatherssurnameasitappearsinthe
birthcertificate.
24.CHANGEOFSCHOOLORDAYCARECENTRE: Thecustodialparentshall
notbeentitledtoadmit,changetheschoolorthedaycarecentreof
the child without written consent and/or agreement between the
parties. Iftheissuesisnotbeingresolvedthensuchadmission,
change of school/daycare centre of the child shall be as per the
orderofthecourt.
25.REMOVALOFCHILDFROMDAYCAREORSCHOOL:Intheabsenceofprior
agreementbetweenthepartiesandpropernotificationofthedaycare
orschoolexceptintheeventofanyemergencytheNoncustodial
parent shall not remove the child from daycare or school for
visitation or otherwise. This paragraph shall not be applied to
preclude the Noncustodial parents participation as a parent in
school activities and access to the child at school to the same
extent as afforded the custodial parent, nor to prevent the Non
custodialparentfrompickingthechildupafterschoolordaycareif
suchpickupispursuanttothepartiesvisitationarrangement.
26.CANCELLATIONBYNONCUSTODIALPARENT:
A. Local (parties residing within 25 driving Kilometers of each
other)
i. Twelve (12) hours notice shall be given by the parent
entitled to visitation for a holiday if visitation will not be
exercised.

11.
ii. AminimumofFifteen(15)daysnoticeshallbegivenby
the
parententitledtovisitationforaholidayifvisitation
willnotbe
exercised.
iii. A minimum of three (3) days notice shall be given in
writingbytheparententitledtovisitationforaperiodofone
week
orgreaterifvisitationwillnotbeexercised.
iv. Theparentseekingcancellationshallarrangeandpayfor
babysitting,childcareorotherappropriatevisitationofthe
childfor
thevisitationperiod:totheextentsuchexpenseis
due to the cancellation. ANY VISITATION CANCELLED BY THE NON
CUSTODIALPARENTSHALLBE
FORFEITED, UNLESS THE PARTIES AGREETO SUBSTITUTE VISITATION. THE
REQUIRED CANCELLATION NOTICE ISGIVEN; THECUSTODIAL PARENT SHALL
NOTUNREASONABLYWITHHOLDSUBSTITUTEVISITATION.
27. NOTICENONLOCAL (PARTIES NOT RESIDING WITHIN 25 DRIVING
KILOMETERSOFEACHOTHER):
i.
Aminimumofthreedays(3days)noticeshallbegivenby
theparententitledtovisitationforaholidayorspecialoccasion
ifvisitationwillnotbeexercised.AminimumofFifteen(15)days
noticeshallbegiveninwritingbytheparententitledtovisitation
forDiwali,Christmas,Summervacations/wintervacationsoranannual
visitationperiodofone(1)weekorgreaterifvisitationwillnot
beexercised.IfthecancellationisNOTagreedtobybothparents,
theparentseekingcancellationmustarrangeandpayforchildcareor
otherappropriatesupervisionofthechildforthevisitationperiod,
to the extent such expense is due to the cancellation. ANY
VISITATIONCANCELLEDBYTHENONCUSTODIALPARENTSHALLBEFORFEITED,
UNLESSTHEPARTIESAGREETOSUBSTITUTEVISITATION. IFTHEREQUIRED
CANCELLATION NOTICE IS GIVEN. THE CUSTODIAL PARENT SHALL NOT
UNREASONABLYWITHHOLDSUBSTITUTEVISITATION.
ii.ADDITIONALVISITATION:TheNoncustodialparentshallbeentitled
toexerciseotherreasonablevisitationinthelocalofthechilds
primaryresidenceuponreasonablenoticetothecustodialparent.
28. TRANSPORTATION
A.
LOCAL (Parties residing within 25 driving Kilometers of each
other):
The Noncustodial parent shall pick up the child for
visitation and the custodial parent shall pick up the child after
visitation.Athirdparty,agreedtobybothparents,maysubstitute
for one of the parents in transporting the child to and from
visitation. The parties should reasonably consider a parents
currentspouseorafamilymemberofthechildasasubstitute. A
partywhomovesandtherebycausesanincreaseofmorethanthirty
(30) Kilometersin driving distancebetweenthetwoparents, shall
bear responsibility for transportation in absence of Court
intervention.

12.
Theplaceofpickupanddropofthechildshallbeagreedto
inwritingbyboththeparents. However,theplaceofpickupand
drop shall either be the residence of the custodial parent or the
courtchildrenscomplexorasorderedbytheHonbleCourt.
B. NONLOCAL (PARTIES NOT RESIDING WITHIN 25 DRIVING KILOMETERSOF
EACHOTHER):Thecourtshalldecidetheissueoftransportationona
casebycasebasisabsentanagreementbytheparties.
29.WAITING: Achildshallbepickedupordeliveredwithinthirty
(30)minutesofthescheduledtimeofexchange.IftheNoncustodial
parentismorethanthirty(30)minuteslatetopickupthechildfor
visitationandcreatesahardshipasaresult,visitationshallbe
forfeited for that visitation period. If legitimate reasons exist
for delay in picking up the child for any weekend or longer
visitation,andbeginningthevisitationthenextdaydoesnotcreate
ahardshiponthecustodialparent,theNoncustodialparentmaypick
upthechildatamutuallyagreedupontimelaterinthevisitation
period.TheNoncustodialparentshallgivethecustodialparentas
much notice as reasonably possible of any delay in picking up the
child.
30.AMENDMENTS:Partiescanvary:altertheinterimaccessschedule
as per convenience within a period of one week from the date of
presentationofthepetitionbeforetheHonblecourtorwithinone
week from the date of their meeting with the counselor for
mediation whichever is earlier. In the event parties fail to
arrive at a decision and conclude on the interim visitation
schedule then the counselor shall draw up an interim visitation
schedule and place the same before the Honble court to be made
finalbyanorderofthecourt.
31. OVER NIGHT ACCESS: Courts are under obligations to consider
thechildspendingequaltime,orsubstantialandsignificanttime,
with each parent. In making a parenting order the court must
considermakingordersthatthechildspendequaltime,orifnot
equal then substantial and significant time, with each parent.
Substantialandsignificanttimeisdefinedtomean,essentially,
weekdaysandovernightweekendsandholidays,timesthatallowthe
parent to be involved in the childs daily routine as well as
occasions and events that are of particular significance to the
child or the parent child to maintain or consolidate a secure
attachment with a parent whose behaviour is oriented only to
visitingratherthancaregiving.
.Childrenhavetherighttoknowandbecaredforbyboththeir
parents, regardless of whether their parents area married,
separated, divorced, have never married or have never lived
together;and

13.
.Childrenhavearighttospendtimeonaregularbasiswith,and
communicateonaregularbasiswith,boththeirparentsandother
peoplesignificanttotheircare,welfareanddevelopment(suchas
grandparentsandotherimmediatefamilymembers&relatives);and
.Childrenhavearighttoenjoytheirculture(includingtheright
toenjoythatculturewithotherpeoplewhosharethatculture).
OverNightAccessathomeofthenoncustodialparentshould
beencouragedatanearlystagesothatthechildrenhaveaclose
andcontinuingrelationshipandgetthelove,affectionofnotonly
parentsbutalsoofgrandparentsandotherimmediatefamilymembers
like uncle, aunties, cousins etc. The healthy emotional
development of children depends upon their early experience of a
continuous,emotionallyavailablecaregivingrelationship,through
whichtheyareabletoformanorganizedattachment,andtodevelop
theirhumancapacitiesforthoughtandrelationshipsessentially.
Childrenhavetheirrighttochildhoodofhopefulexistence
free of exploitations, neglect. Children need consistent support
system as well as love, hope and encouragement, all these things
and more are required in order to experience childhood to the
fullestandtoeventuallydevelopintoahealthy,capableadultfor
the full and hormonal development of his or her personality
childrenshouldgrowupinafamilyenvironmentinanatmosphereof
happiness,loveandunderstandingwhichisveryimportantfortheir
overall growth and well being. The children should be fully
preparedtolivelifeinsociety,inthespirit,dignitytolerance,
freedom, equality and solidarity. However, young children are
subjectedtoexploitationespeciallyinabrokenmarriagewherethe
court has to intervene to protect the rights of the child.
Children have to be ensured that their right to parental access,
right to quality of life, right to be cared for, and right to
freedomofexpressionisnotcompromisedandchildrengetloveand
affection from both parents and grandparents and immediate family
members.Theyshouldhaveasenseofbelongingtoahealthyfamily
environmentmaintainingtheirheritagesothatthegenealogyofthe
childisnotlostafterattainingadulthoodandtheyareabletobe
linkedwiththeirancestors. Overnightaccessshouldthereforebe
encouragedatanearlystage.

14.
CHAPTER3
LOCALGUIDELINES
(PARTIESRESIDINGWITHIN25DRIVINGKILOMETERSOFEACHOTHER)
C.FINALVISITATION(CHILDRENBETWEENAGE0TO36MONTHS)
The following visitation guidelines should balance the needs of
bothparentsandchild,regardlessofwhetherthatchildhasolder
siblings that enjoy extended visitation with the Noncustodial
parent.
32. WEEKENDS: The Noncustodial parent shall be entitled to overnight
weekend visitation every weekend. For children between 0 to 36 months
visitationshallbebetween11.00A.M.to2.00P.M.or4.30P.M.to7.30
P.M.onSaturdayandSundayandtwice(twotimes)duringweekdaybetween
MondaytoFridayfor1%hours(90minutes). Oneofthemostimportant
considerationsisforattachmentwithbothparents. Itisimportantfor
visitationtoprovideopportunitiestoestablishabondbetweenthechild
and the parent. Generally, frequency of visitation is given more
considerationthandurationofvisitation. Makingupforlessfrequent
visitsbyincreasingthelengthoftimeofvisitsisnotrecommendedfor
infantsrecommendeddailyvisits,butifthisisimpractical,thenvisits
shouldbespacedtomorethantwodaysapart.Thereisresearch,however,
toshowthatovernightvisitswiththeparentcanoccur,providedthatthe
parenthasbeenasignificantcaretakerandaprimaryattachmentfigure.
33. WEEKDAY VISITATION: The Noncustodial parent shall be entitled to
visitation two (2) evenings per week during weekday between Monday to
Fridayfor1%hours(90minutes). Theseshallbethesametwoevenings
everyweekandvariedonlyiftheweekdayvisitationscheduleconflicts
with the holiday or vacation schedule. If the parties cannot agree,
weekdayvisitationshallbeonMondayandWednesday.
34.HOLIDAYS:Thenoncustodialparentshallbeentitledtospendatleast
3 Three hours on the holiday or festival day including 15th August, 2th
January, 26th January, 15th April, 2nd October (Gandhi Jayanti), 14th
November(Childrensday)excludingthetimeoftravel.Onlywhereitis
notpossibletoshareduringthefestivaldayduetoreasonsofdistance
or otherwise. In oddnumbered years, the Noncustodial parent shall be
entitled to spend with the minor child; in even numbered years, the
schedule shall be reversed. A partys entitlement to Holiday visitation
overrides the other partys right to regularly scheduled weeknight or
weekendvisitation. Ifeitherorbothpartiescelebrateotherholidays,
suchholidaysshouldbewrittendown,dividedandalternatedeachyear.
NOTE:Forchildrenagedbetween0to36monthsitshallbeopenfor
thecustodialparenttoremainpresentduringvisitation.

15.
i.

Visitation shall be from 11.00 a.m. until 2.00 p.m. or from

4.00p.m.to7.00p.m.ontheofficialholiday.
ii. Mothers day shall be spent with the mother every year with
priority over any othervisitation schedule; visitationhours
shallbefrom11.00a.m.until2.0pmor4.00pmto7.00pm.
iii. Fathers day shall be spent with the father every year with
priority over any othervisitation schedule; visitationhours
shallbefrom11.00am.Until2.00p.m.or4.00pmto7.00pm
iv. Diwali/Eid/Moharram/Makarsakranti(Lohri)/Janmashtmi/ Mahavir
Jayanti/Mahashivratri/ Ramnavi/ New Year/Dussera/ Gurunanak
Jayanti/ RakshaBandhan/ Navratri/ Ganesh Chaturthi/Holi
visitationtothenoncustodialparentshallbeforaperiodof
3 year hours excluding traveling time and timings shall be
decidedbetweenthepartiesmutually.
35.FESTIVALSWEEKENDOVERNIGHTACCESS: Festivalswhichlastformore
than seven days especially Navratri, Ganpati and Ramzan and for
whichlongholidaysarenotavailabletothechildthenoncustodial
parentshallbeentitledtooneweekendovernightstayduringthis
stretchoffestival.Apartysentitlementtothisfestivalweekend
overnight stay overrides the other partys right to regularly
scheduledweeknightorweekendvisitation.
36.MOTHERS BIRTHDAY: shall bespent with the mother everyyear.
IfthemotheristheNoncustodialparentandthemothersbirthday
is on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, visitation
hours shall be from 5.00 p.m. until 8.00 p.m. If the mothers
birthday ison Saturdayor Sunday, visitation shallbe from11.00
a.m. to 4.00 p.m. This visitation will not affect holiday
visitation.
37.FATHERSBIRTHDAY:
shallbespentwiththefathereveryyear.
Ifthefatheristhenoncustodialparentandthefathersbirthday
is on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, visitation
hours shall be from 5.00 p.m. until 8.00 p.m. If the fathers
birthday ison Saturdayor Sunday, visitation shallbe from11.00
a.m. to 4.00 p.m. This visitation will not affect holiday
visitation.
38.CHILDSBIRTHDAY:Thechildshallcelebratehisorherbirthday
with the Noncustodial parent in oddnumbered years and the
custodialparentinevennumberedyears. Inyearsthatthechild
spends his or her birthday with the noncustodial parent, if the
childs birthday falls on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or
Thursday,visitationshallbefrom5.00pm.Until8.00p.m;ifthe
childs birthday falls on Saturday or Sunday, visitation shall be
from11.00a.m.to4.00p.m.Theparentholdingabirthday

16.
partyforthechildmaywishtoconsiderinvitingtheotherparent.
39. ANNUAL VISITATION FOR CHILDREN (UNDER AGED 0 TO 36 MONTHS).
Unless otherwise agreed to by the parties, regular weekend and
weekday visitation shall be maintained year round in lieu of a
designatedannualvisitationperiod.
D.FINALVISITATION(CHILDREN36MONTHSANDOLDER)
40.WEEKENDS:TheNoncustodialparentshallbeentitledtoweekend
visitation every other weekend. Visitation shall begin Friday at
6.00p.m.andendat6.00p.m.onSunday.Ifpartieswishtoavail
continuouseveryweekaccesstheneveryweekendaccessshallbegin
fromFridayat6.00p.m.andendonSaturday6.00p.m.orSaturday
6.00p.m.toSunday6.00p.m.Itisnottheresponsibilityofthe
custodialparenttoprovidefoodorshelterforthechildduringthe
Noncustodialparentsvisitation.
41. WEEKDAY VISITATION: If the parties reside within thirty (30)
Kilometersdrivingdistanceofeachother,theNoncustodialparent
shall have visitation two (2) evening per week for 2 two hours
between 6.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m., but shall exercise the weekday
visitationinthelocaleofthechildsprimaryresidenceorwithin
theradius of 10 ten kilometers. The preceding sentenceshall not
preclude occasional travel beyond the thirty (30) kilometers for
specialweekdayevents.Theweekdayvisitationshallbeonthesame
eveningeachweekandvariedonlyifitconflictswiththeholiday
orvacationschedule.Ifthepartiescannotagreeontheweeknight
andiftherearenoscheduleactivitiesforWednesday,itshallbe
Wednesdayevening.IfthereareactivitiesscheduledforWednesday,
the noncustodial parent shall have first choice of an alternate
weekdayforweekdayvisitation.
42.HOLIDAYS:Thenoncustodialparentshallbeentitledtospendat
least 4 Four hours on the holiday or festival day including 15 th
August, 25th January, 26th January, 15th April, 2nd October (Gandhi
Jayanti), 14th November (Childrens day) excluding the time of
travel.Onlywhereitisnotpossibletoshareduringthefestival
dayduetoreasonsofdistanceorotherwise.Inoddnumberedyears,
theNoncustodialparentshallbeentitledtospendwiththeminor
child; in even numbered years, the schedule shall be reversed. A
partys entitlement to Holiday visitation overrides the other
partys right to regularly scheduled weeknight or weekend
visitation.Ifthepartiescelebratereligiousholidaysotherthan
those defined in sections AandB below, those religious holidays
shall be mutually agreed upon in writing, divided, and alternated
eachyear.Intheabsenceofanagreement,thecourtshallallocate
thosereligiousholidaysbetweentheparties.

17.
i.Visitationshallbefrom11.00a.m.until3.00p.m.,or4.00p.m
to8.00p.m.ontheofficialholiday.
ii. Mothers day shall be spent with the mother every year with
priorityoveranyothervisitationschedule;visitationhoursshall
be from 11.00 a.m. until 3.000 p.m. or 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Fathersdayshallbespentwiththefathereveryyearwithpriority
overanyothervisitationschedule;visitationhoursshallbefrom
11.00a.m.until3.00p.m.or4.00p.m.to8.00p.m.
iii.Diwali/Eid/Moharram/Makarsakaranti(Lohri)/Janmashtmi/ Mahavir
Jayanti/ Mahashivratri/ Ramnavi/ NewYear/ Dussera/ Gurunanak
Jayanti/Raksha Bandhan/Navratri/GaneshChaturthi/Holivisitation to
the noncustodial parent shall be for a period of 4 four hours
excluding traveling time and timings shall be decided between the
partiesmutually.
NOTE: Noncustodialparent shall beentitled totake the child at
hisresidenceduringthisperiodofaccess.
43. FESTIVALS WEEKEND OVERNIGHT ACCESS: Festivals which last for
morethansevendaysespeciallyNavratri,GanpatiandRamzanandfor
whichlongholidaysarenotavailabletothechildthenoncustodial
parentshallbeentitledtooneweekendovernightstayduringthis
stretchoffestival.Apartysentitlementtothisfestivalweekend
overnight stay overrides the other partys right to regularly
scheduledweeknightorweekendvisitation.
44.FIFTY%VACATION:Thenoncustodialparentshallbeentitledto
50% of each vacation during the year the child has vacations for
Diwali/Dussehra holidays, Christmas holiday, Winter and Summer
vacations.
45.MOTHERS BIRTHDAY: shall bespent with the mother everyyear.
IfthemotheristheNoncustodialparentandthemothersbirthday
is on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, visitation
hours shall be from 5.00 p.m. until 8.00 p.m. If the mothers
birthday ison Saturdayor Sunday, visitation shallbe from11.00
a.m. to 4.00 p.m. This visitation will not affect holiday
visitation.
46.FATHERS BIRTHDAY: shall bespent with the father everyyear.
Ifthefatheristhenoncustodialparentandthefathersbirthday
is on Sunday, Monday Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, visitation
hours shall be from 5.00 p.m. until 8.00 p.m. If the fathers
birthday ison Saturdayor Sunday, visitation shallbe from11.00
a.m. to 4.00 p.m. This visitation will not affect holiday
visitation.
47.CHILDSBIRTHDAY:Thechildshallcelebratehisorherbirthday
with the Noncustodial parent in oddnumbered years and the
custodial parent inevennumbered years. In years thatthechild
spends his or her birthday with the noncustodial parent, if the
childs birthday falls on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or
Thursday,visitation

18.
shall be from 5.00 p.m. until 8.00 p.m; if the childs birthday
fallsonSaturdayorSunday,visitationshallbefrom11.00a.m.to
4.00p.m.Theparentholdingabirthdaypartyforthechildmaywish
toconsiderinvitingtheotherparent.
E.CHILDRENINDIFFERENTAGEGROUPINGS:
i.Iftherearetwo(2)ormorechildrenwhoseagesspandifferent
agegroupingsentitlingthechildrentodifferentvisitationperiods
withthenoncustodialparent,thentheyoungerchildrenshallget
thebenefitoftheoldestchildsvisitationschedule.
ii.THISPROVISIONDOESNOTAPPLYTOCHILDRENAGEDBETWEEN0TO36
MONTHS.PARENTSOFACHILDAGEDBETWEEN0TO36MONTHSMUSTFOLLOW
THEVISITATIONSCHEDULEFORTHATCHILDREGARDLESSOFWHETHERORNOT
THECHILDHASOLDERSIBLINGSONADIFFERENTSCHEDULE.
48.SCHEDULEANNUAL
i. The noncustodial parent shall have first choice of annual
vacation visitation and shall designate such choice in writing no
later than March 1 of each year. Subject to the noncustodial
parent parents designated choice on or before March 1, the
custodial parent shall designate inwritinghisor her choice for
annualvacationbyMarch15thofeachyear.
ii.Thecustodialparentsannualvacationshallbescheduledaround
thenoncustodialparentsannualvacationandmayoverridenomore
than one (1) weekend and three (3) weeknight regularly scheduled
visitationperiodsofthenoncustodialparent.
iii.Aparentsfirstchoiceofannualvacationshallnotinterfere
withtheotherparentsentitlementtothechildsbirthdayorthe
DiwaliHoliday.
iv.Unlessspecificallyprohibitedbycourtorder,eitherparentmay
temporarilyremovethechildfromthejurisdictionofthecourtfor
purposesofannualvisitationonlyiftheparenttravelingwiththe
childprovidestheotherparentwithawrittengeneralitineraryand
phonenumberswherethechildcanbecontactedduringthevacation.
V.Annualvacationshallnotconflictwiththeschoolcalendar.

19.
CHAPTER4
NONLOCALGUIDELINES
(PARTIESNOTRESIDINGWITHIN25DRIVINGKILOMETERSOFEACHOTHER)
49.VISITATION(CHILDRENAGEDBETWEEN0TO36MONTHS)Visitationfor
childrenunder36monthsoldshallbeestablishedbythecourtona
casebycasebasis.
50. ADDITIONAL VISITATION: The noncustodial parent shall be
entitledtoexerciseotherreasonablevisitationinthelocalofthe
childs primary residence upon reasonable notice to the custodial
parent.
51.VISITATION(CHILDRENAGED36MONTHSANDOLDER)
52.WEEKENDS:Thenoncustodialparentshallbeentitledtoatleast
oneweekendvisitationeveryweek.Visitationshallbegineitheron
Saturdayand/orSundayat11.00a.m.andendat6.00p.m.Itshall
be openforthepartiesto workoutmore than one visitation per
weekaspermutualagreement.
53.HOLIDAYS:Ifthepartiescelebratereligiousholidaysotherthan
thosedefinedinsections41above,thosereligiousholidaysshall
be mutually agreed upon in writing, divided, and alternated each
year. In the absence of an agreement, the court shall allocate
thosereligiousholidaysbetweentheparties.
54.FIRTY%VACATION:Thenoncustodialparentshallbeentitledto
50% of each vacation during the year the child has such as
Diwali/Dussehra holidays, Christmas holiday, Winter and Summer
vacations.
NOTE: In case noncustodial parent is unable to avail vacation
access during a particular year he/she shall be entitled to be
compensatedbyfullvacationsharingduringthesubsequentyear.
55.ANNUALSUMMERVACATION:Visitationshallbeasfollows:
A.CHILDRENINDIFFERENTAGEGROUPINGS:Iftherearetwo(2)orA.
CHILDREN IN DIFFERENT GROUPINGS: If there are two (2) or more
children whose ages span different age groupings entitling the
children to different visitation periods with the Noncustodial
parent,theyoungerchildrengetthebenefitoftheoldestchilds
visitationschedule.THISPROVISIONDOESNOTAPPLYTOCHILDRENUNDER
AGEDBETWEEN0TO36.
PARENTS OF A CHILD AGED BETWEEN 0 TO 36 MONTHS MUST FOLLOW THE
VISITATIONSCHEDULEFORTHATCHILDREGARDLESSOFWHETHERORNOTTHE
CHILDHASOLDERSIBLINGSONADIFFERENTSCHEDULE.

20.
56.SCHEDULINGANNUALVACATION:Thenoncustodialparentshallhave
firstchoiceofannualvacationandshalldesignatesuchchoicein
writingnolaterthanApril1ofeachyear. Subjecttothenon
custodial parent parents designated choiceon or before April 1,
thecustodialparentmayplananannualvacationandshallnotify
thenoncustodialparentofthosedatesbyApril15thofeachyear.
i.Aparentsfirstchoiceofannualvacationshallnotinterfere
withtheotherparentsentitlementtothechildsbirthday,unless
theNoncustodialparentwillbedeniedthefullannualvisitation
periodifthecustodialparentexercisesvisitationonthechilds
birthday. If the childs birthday falls within the anticipated
summer school break, and if the parties are unable to reach a
specific agreement about an annual vacation schedule, the parties
shall mediate the annual vacation scheduling issue before final
hearing,unlessmediationisexcusedbycourtorder.Iftheparties
are unable to resolve the annual vacation schedule issue through
agreementormediation,thepartiesshallpresenttheissuetothe
courtbeforeentryofafinalvisitationorder.
ii.Unlessspecificallyprohibitedbycourtorder,eitherparentmay
temporarilyremovethechildfromtheStateofHimachalPradeshfor
purposesofannualvisitationonlyiftheparenttravelingwiththe
childprovidestheotherparentwithawrittengeneralitineraryand
phonenumberswherethechildcanbecontactedduringthevacation.
Annualvacationshallnotconflictwiththeschoolcalendar.
CHAPTER5
JOINTCUSTODY
57. PRINCIPLE: The most fundamental principle underlying child
rightsistheinherentrightofeverychildtobebroughtupinthe
secure comfort of a family environment and to enjoy the love and
affectionofbothitsparents. Thesearerightsenshrinedinthe
U.N. Charter for Child Rights, 1989 which has been adopted and
ratifiedbyIndia.
58.RESIDEALTERNATELY:Thatchildmayresidealternately,oneweek
with the custodial parent and one week with noncustodial parent
and that both custodial and noncustodial parent share joint
responsibility for decisions involving childs long term care,
welfareanddevelopment.

CHAPTER621

59.PSYCHIATRICANDPSYCHOLOGICALEVALUATIONOFPARENTSANDTHE
CHILD.
A.UnderSection12oftheFamilyCourtsAct,1984,theCourtis
empoweredtosecuretheservicesofmedicalexperts;thescope
ofSection12envisages:ForsettlingaproblemtheJudgeofthe
Family Court cannot merely take his own personal decision.
Under this section, he has to rely and consult an expert as
while deciding the dispute between husband and wife, the fate
and future of innocent children, if there are any, has to be
keptinmind. TheJudgethereforewillhavetoactasallin
one. If either or both litigants are quarrelsome, the
altercations definitely lead to litigation on various grounds
andtheirchildrenwillbetheworstsufferers. Insuchcases
theopinionofmedicalandwelfareexpertswillbeofmuchuse.
B.TheCourteitheronanapplicationbyoneofthelitigantor
thecourtsuomotowhileexercisingitsdiscretiontoconducta
psychiatric/psychological evaluation of both the parents
includingthechildinordertoensurethatcustodyisgivento
theemotionallyandmentallyfitparent,thusensuringwelfare
ofthechild.Procedureforsuchpsychologicalevaluationshall
beasperprocedureprescribed.
C.Failureinmarriagesissometimesduetolackofawarenessor
realization among the litigants where often one of the partner
suffers from a personality disorder and/or adjustment disorder
whichcanbeeasilydiagnosedthroughpsychologicalevaluation.
D. The child/children are psychologically evaluated (by play
therapy) to determine stress, depression level & also any bad
tutoring or poisoning of mind to alienate the child from other
parent. Ondiagnosisifconfirmedthechildisassistedthrough,
interventionofpsychologicalcounseling.
E.InfactSupremeCourthascomedownheavilyfornotusingthe
servicesofmedicalexpertsbythelowercourtsasprovidedunder
Section75eofCPC.(Ref:ShardaVersusDharampal(2003)4SCC493).
60.PSYCHOLOGICALEVALUATION:
Thisscheduleprovidesforassistanceofmedicalandwelfare
expertstobesoughtandtakenbyeitheroftheparenteithersuo
motobythe

22.
Courtoronanapplicationbyeitherparty;tosecuretheservices
of the medical expert or such person including a person
professionallyengagedinpromotingthewelfareofthefamilyas
thecourtmaythinkfitforthepurposesofassistingtheFamily
Court.
I. PSYCHIATRIC AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF PARENTS AND THE
CHILD.
Under Section 12 of the Family Court Act, 1984, the Court is
empoweredtosecuretheservicesofmedicalexperts;however,the
family court rarely uses the same. The scope of Section 12
envisages: For settling a problem the Judge of the Family Court
cannotmerelytakehisownpersonaldecision.UnderthisSection,
hehastorelyandconsultanexpertaswhiledecidingthedispute
between husband and wife, the fate and future of innocent
children, if there are any, has to be kept in mind. The judge
therefore will have to act as all in one. If either or both
litigants are quarrelsome, the altercations definitely lead to
litigationonvariousgroundsandthechildrenwillbetheworst
sufferers. In such cases the opinion of medical and welfare
expertswillbeofmuchuse.
Should it not be mandatory for the family court either on an
application by one of the litigant or the court suo moto while
exercising its discretion to conduct a psychiatric/psychological
evaluation of both the parents including the child in order to
ensurethatcustodyisgiventotheemotionallyandmentallyfit
parent,thusensuringwelfareofthechild.
In fact Supreme Court has come down heavily for not using the
servicesofmedicalexpertsbythelowercourtsasprovidedunder
Section 75e of CPC. (Ref: Sharda Versus Dharampal (2003) 4 SCC
493))
A common practice followed in US courts while deciding child
custodybyconductingpsychologicalevaluationtestssuchasMMPI,
Rorschachinkblottestetc.,whichrevealsanylitigantsuffering
from any mental/personality disorder, drug abuse, alcoholic,
manipulative, tendency to speak lies, tendency to abuse/physical
attacktowardsspouseetc.
However,ifintheeventboththeparties/litigantsarerefusing
or do not find necessary to be evaluated, then the court should
follow the Primary caretaker principle and if either one of the
litigant (childs father or mother) refuses then as per law
adverseinferenceshallbedrawn.
Thechild/childrenarepsychologicallyevaluated(byplaytherapy)
todeterminestress,depression

23.
level&alsoanybadtutoringorpoisoningofmindtoalienatethe
childfromotherparent.
On diagnosis if confirmed the child is assisted through,
interventionofpsychologicalcounseling.
Often Indian courts fail to differentiate between psychosis &
mentaldisorders.Individualssufferingfrommentaldisordersare
often intelligent but with very poor emotional state, (high
intelligent quotient but poor emotional quotient), who tend to
sufferfromuncontrolledrage&temperament,violent,aggressive,
manipulative and often speak lies. This can be diagnosed only
throughspecificpsychologicaltests. Hence,merelyinterviewing
litigants by the court will never give a clue whether the
individual is suffering from mental/personality disorder except
psychosis.
InfactCourtsshouldresorttoreferringlitigantsfordiagnosis
to such reputed and high caliber psychologists/psychiatrists
identified/appointedbytheSubordinateCourt/HighCourt.
61.GENERAL
a.Theparentwithprimarycustody(parentwhoishavingcustody
ofchildsincebirthandistakingcareofthedaytodayandhour
to hour need of the child) shall be referred to herein as the
custodialparent,andtheotherparentshallbereferredtoasthe
Noncustodialparent.
62.CHILDSWISHES:
Oftenthecourtdecidesthechildscustodybasedonthewishesof
the child during an interview which the court conducts on the
childoftenderagewhoisnothisownmasterandisnotcapable
offorminganyintelligent,prudentorwellreasonedpreferenceof
aparent.(inotherwordsifchildexpresseshe/sheisunwilling
togotoschool,willtheFamilycourthonourthewishes.).
Thecourthastoensurethewelfareandthebestinterestofthe
childs upbringing and not to be influenced by the mere wish of
the child especially in some cases where the child is heavily
tutored or brainwashed or poisoned against the noncustodial
parentwhiledecidingcustody.
THEGENESISOFFALSEACCUSATION
An awardwinning book published by the American Psychological
Associationshowsjusthoweasilychildrencanbemanipulatedto
givefalseaccountsthatbadthingshavehappenedtothem.
Inonestudychildrenweresimplyaskedtorepeatedlythinkabout
whether different events had ever happened to them, such as
getting their finger caught in a mousetrap and going to the
hospitaltogetthetrapoff.Aftertensessions,

24.
morethanhalfthechildrentoldfalsestories
about the fictitious events in their lives. In fact, their
storiesweresoelaboratelyembellishedwithdetailsthatexperts
couldnotdetectwhicheventswererealandwhichwerenot.Even
moreremarkable,aftertheresearcherstoldthechildrenthatthe
events never really happened, many of the children continued to
insistthattheyrememberedthefictitiouseventsoccurring.
One fouryear old boy had already been told by his parents that
the whole mousetrap story was just in his imagination and that
nothinglikethiseverhappened. YetwhenStosselaskedtheboy
ifheevergothisfingercaughtinamousetrap,withhisparents
besidehim,thischildsaidherememberedtheeventandthengave
adetailedaccount.Stosselremindedhimthathisparentsalready
saidthatitneverhappened,buttheboyprotested,Itreallydid
happen,Irememberit.
Inanotherstudy,astrangernamedSamStonevisitedapreschool
classroom.Heaidhello,walkedaroundtheroomfortwominutes,
then said good by and left. That was it. He touched nothing.
During the next ten weeks, the children were interviewed four
times and asked to describe Sam Stones visit. One month
following the fourth interview, another adult interviewed the
children,thistimeaskingabouttwoeventswhichdidnotoccur.
DidSamStonedoanythingtoabookorateddybear?
Theinvestigatorslearnedthattheycouldproducefalsereportsof
SamStonesbehaviourbothbybadmouthingSamStoneandbyasking
thechildrenleading,suggestivequestions.Thebadmouthingtook
theformoftellingstoriestothechildren,priortoSamStones
visit,aboutSamStonesclumsiness.Forexample:
Youll never guess who visited me last night [pause] thats
right.SamStone!Andguesswhathedidthistime? Heaskedto
borrowmyBarbieandwhenhewascarryingherdownthestairs,he
tripped and fell and broke her arm. That Sam Stone is always
gettingintoaccidentsandbreakingthings.
ThedayafterSameStonesvisit,thechildrenwereshownasoiled
teddybearthathadnotevenbeenintheroomduringSamsvisit.
Theywereaskediftheyknewhowtheteddybearhadbeensoiled.
Anexampleofasuggestivequestionwasfollowing:Rememberthat
time Sam Stone visited your classroom and spilled chocolate on
that white teddy bear? Did he do it on purpose or was it an
accident?

25.
Bythetimeofthefinalinterview,anastounding
72 percent of the youngest preschoolers falsely incriminated Sam
Stone.Likethechildreninthemousetrapstudy,theyembellished
theirstorieswithfabricateddetails,suchasreportingthatthey
sawSamStoneonhiswaytothestoretobuychocolateicecream.
And,onceagainthechildrenfooledtheexperts.
Theinvestigatorsshowedvideotapedinterviewsofthechildrento
specialists who interview children for purposes of criminal
investigationsandwhotreatchildrensuspectedofhavingabused.
Theseexpertswereconfidentintheirjudgmentsaboutwhichevents
really occurred and which were made up. But the experts were
wrong.Infacttheverychildrentheyratedasmostaccuratewere
thechildrenwhowereleastaccurate. SubstituteMommyorDaddy
forSamStoneandyoubegintoseehowchildrencanbemanipulated
togiveconvincing,yetfalse,negativereportsaboutaparent.
Falsebeliefsaboutabusehurtchildrenbeyondthedamagedoneby
thealienation. Achildwhobelievesthatshehasbeensexually
abused by a relative can develop problems similar to those of a
child who has actually suffered abuse. The child comes to
distrust her caretakers in the same way she would if actually
abused. Herviewofsexualityiscorruptedatanearlyageand
thismayleadtoproblemsinsexualadjustmentasanadult. Her
ability to trust in close relationships is impaired. This may
interferewithherrelationshipsthroughoutherlife.
Thusachildcanbemanipulatedtocreatealienation.
InterviewingChildrenwithParentalAlienationSyndrome:Children
suffering with a parental alienation syndrome may present the
judge with a convincing picture. By the time the child reaches
the judge, he or she has developed a wellrehearsed litany or
complaintsagainstthepresumablyhatedparent.Thiscanbequite
convincing, especially because the script has probably been
rehearsed many times over with the allegedly preferred parent.
Also, by the Lime the child reaches the judge, he or she has
probably presented the scenario to a variety of attorneys and
mentalhealthprofessionals. Thishasgiventhemtheopportunity
topracticeandsharpentheirspeeches.Therehavebeenanumber
of occasions when judges have been completely taken in and have
not appreciated that they were being handed a bill of goods:
These children have a way of snow balling even experienced
psychologistsand

26.
psychiatrists,soonecannotbetoocriticalof
judges here. Present below are series of questions that judges
should find useful when interviewing these children. It is
importanttoappreciatethatthequestionsprovidedhererelateto
the more common situation, the one in which the father is the
hated parent and the mother the loved one, however when the
situationisreversed(themotherthehatedoneandthefatherthe
lovedone)Oneshouldobviouslyreversethequestions.
Describeyourcustodialparent(mother/father)tome.Childrenwith
parental alienation syndrome typically provide only positive
responses. If any negatives are provided, they will usually be
minimal. If asked to elaborate upon the negatives, only
inconsequential criticisms will be provided. Children who are
normal or suffer with other kinds of psychiatric disturbances
willgenerallybeabletolistbothpositivesandnegativesabout
eachparent. Thecompleteidealizationofaparentisaclueto
thepresenceofthisdisorder.
Describe your Noncustodial parent (mother/father) to me. The
child with parental alienation syndrome will enumerate various
criticismsatgreatlength.Thesewillbebothpresentandpast.
Often the past indignities will be about experiences that other
childrenwouldconsidernormalorwouldhaveforgottenlongago.
Sometimesacomplaintwillbeaboutaneventwhichthechildhas
not actually observed but which the mother has described. The
childwillacceptasvalidthemothersrenditionandnotgiveany
credibilitytothefathersrefutation.Whenitispointedoutto
thechildthatfewifanypositiveshavebeendescribed,thechild
willclaimflatlythattherearenone. Inquiriesintopastgood
times between the child and the father will be denied as
nonexistentorthechildwillclaimthattheseeventswerepainful
andthechildsprofessedenjoymentofthemstemmedfromthefear
ofpunishmentfornotdoingso.Itisthiscompleteonesidedness
of the response, the total absence of normal ambivalence that
should alert the interviewer to the fact that one is probably
dealingwithachildsufferingwithparentalalienationsyndrome.
HowdoyoufeelaboutyourNoncustodialparents(father/mother)
family? The child with a parental alienation syndrome will
generally respond that all members of the fathers/mothers
extendedfamily,eventhechildsowngrandparentsandpreviously
lovedaunts,unclesandcousins,aresomehowobnoxiousandvile.
Whenaskedforspecificreasonswhythereisabsolutelyno

27.
contactatallwithanyoftheseindividuals,no
compelling reasons are provided. Often inconsequential reasons
aregiven.Attemptstoimpressuponthechildhowimportantitis
tohaverelationshipswiththeselovingrelativesisfutile.The
child extends the noxious view of the father to the fathers
extended family. The child will describe no sense of loss or
loneliness over this self imposed removal from the fathers
extendedfamily. Ifapotentialoractualstepmotherisinvolved
withthefather,thishatredwillextendtoherandherextended
familyaswell.
Does your custodial parent (mother/father) interfere with your
visitingwithyourNoncustodialparent(mother/father)?Generally
the child will describe absolutely no interference on the
custodial parents part. Often the child will proudly describe
the neutrality and state that the decision is completely his or
herown.
When then dont you want to visit with your father/mother? The
child may give very vague reasons. When asked to give specific
reasons these children may describe horrible abuses in a very
convincing way. In addition, they often provide gross
exaggerationsofinconsequentialcomplaints.Theymakemountains
out of mole hills and will dwell on frivolous reasons for not
visiting. Often they will claim that they want absolutely no
contactatallwiththefatherfortherestoftheirlives,orat
leastnotbeforetheyareadults.Whenitispointedouttothese
children that the vast majority of other children would not cut
theirfathersoffentirely,forever,forsuchindignities:they
insistthattheirtotalrejectionisjustified.
Doesyourmotherharassorbotheryou?Healthychildrengenerallywill
givesomeexamplesofharassmentsuchasbeingmadetoturnoffthe
television,dohomework,orgotobedearlierthantheywant.Children
with parental alienation syndrome describe no such harassments. They
often will describe their mother as being perfect and as never asking
themtodothingstheydontwant.Thisisobviouslyafabricationand
is a manifestation of the whitewash of the mother. You use the word
harassment with these children because it is a common expression
utilized by mothers of parental alienation syndrome children. The
fathersoverturesforinvolvementwiththechildaregenerallyreferred
toasharassmentbythemother.Ifthechildisunfamiliarwiththeword
harassment,itcanbesubstitutebybotheryoualot.

28.
Doesyourfatherharassorbotheryou?These
children are likely to describe in great detail the fathers
harassments. Generally, they involve attempts on his part to
gain contact with the children. Letters, telephone calls, and
legalattemptstogainvisitationareallclumpedundertheterm
harassments. Although the fathers initial overtures may have
been spaced reasonably, with mounting frustration over rejection
and alienation, the fathers overtures increase in frequency and
intensity. The love and affection that is at the foundation of
these overtures is denied completely by both the mother and the
parental alienation syndrome child. Rather, they are viewed
simply as onerous harassments. The above questions are general
ones. The judge does well to ask more specific questions
pertinenttotheparticularcase. Thesemightincludequestions
regardingwhythechildwantstochangehisorhernamebackto
themothersmaidenname,whythefathersPresentswerethrownin
the garbage (usually in the mothers presence), why the child
wantstohavethefatherstillcontributetohisorhereducation
eventhoughheorsheneverwantstoseethefatheragain,what
thebrothersandsistersreasonsarefornotwantingtoseethe
father(thesetoooftenproveinconsequential)andsoforth.
Judges who interview children in chambers must be made aware of
thefactthatthesechildrenmaybeveryconvincing.Theymaybe
takeninbythelitanyofcomplaintsandgivesuchweighttothe
childsstatementsthattheymaygoalongwiththechildsstated
preference. Judgesmustbealertedtotheprimarymanifestations
ofthisdisorder,especiallythecompletelackofambivalence,the
dwellingonfrivolousandinconsequentialindignities,thetotal
removalfromtheextendedfamilyofthehatedparent,theabsolute
denial of any positive input on the hated parents part at any
time in the childs life, and the definite statement that the
child wishes never to see the hated parent again throughout the
remainder of his or her life. It is hoped that judges will
increasingly appreciate what is occurring when they see such
children and rectify the situation in accordance with the
guidelines to be presented. Under the circumstances of
brainwashing,tutoring,poisoning,toalienatethechildfromthe
noncustodial parent, the Custody should be shifted from the
custodialparenttothenoncustodialparentwhowillensurethe
childwithloveandaffectionofboththeparents.

29
CHARTDETAILINGMINIMUMVISITATIONSCHEDULE
Sr. Visitati Age
Occasi Day
Time
Section
No. on
on
Chapter
schedule
1
INTERIM
VISITATI
ON
Between
0 to
A
36
months
WEEKEN SATURDAY
3(three)
1
DS
ANDSUNDAY
hours each
in

the
presenceof
the
custodial
parent
WEEKDA MONDAY TO 1 Vx (90 2
Y
FRIDAY
minutes)in
the
presenceof
the
custodial
parent.Two
times a
week
BETWEEN 36
WEEKEN OVERNIGHT
Friday6.00 B4
Months DS
ACCESSS
p.m. to
and
EVERY
Sunday6.00
Above
ALTERNATE
p.m.
WEEKENDS
OR
WEEK
OVERNIGHT
FRIDAY6.00 4
ENDS
ACCESS
P.M. TO
EVERYWEEK
SATURDAY
6.00 P.M.
ORSATURDAY
6.00 P.M.
TO SUNDAY
6.00P.M.
WEEKDA TWO
TWOHOURS
5
Y
EVENINGS
HOLIDA
4

FOUR 6
YS
HOURSCHILD
WILL BE
ALLOWED TO
BETAKENAT

THE
RESIDENCE
OFTHE
NON
CUSTODIAL
PARENT
THREEHOURS
2

Final
visitati
on
Local
Below
guidelin 36
es
Months
parties
residing
within
200k.m.

Chapter2
Chapter3

WEEKEN
DS

WEEK
DAY

Above
36
months

HOLIDA
YS
WEEKEN
DS

SATURDAY
ANDSUNDAY

3 three 32
hours in
the
presenceof
the
custodial
parent
MONDAY TO VA
hour 33
FRIDAY
(ninety
minutes)
twotimesa
weekinthe
presenceof
the
custodial
parent
Threehours 34
OVERNIGHT
Friday6.00 40
ACCESS
p.m. To
ALTERNATE
Sunday6.00
WEEKEND OR p.m. Or
EVERY
every
WEEKEND
weekend
Friday6.00
p.m. To
Saturday
6.00 p.m.
OrSaturday
6.00 p.m.
To Sunday

WEEKDA
YS

TWO
EVENINGS
PERWEEK

HOLIDA
YS

Sr
.
No

Visitati
on
schedule

6.00p.m.
Twohours

41

four 42
hourschild
will be
allowed
Tobetaken
at

the
residence
of the non
custodial
parent

Age

OCCASI
ON

DAY

Time

Above
36
months

FESTIV
AL
WEEKEN
D
OVERNI
GHT
ACCESS

WEEKEND

VACATI
ON

SUMMER
DIWALI,
CHRISTMAS
VACATIONS

Overnight
43
Saturday11
a.m. to
Sunday7.00
p.m. for
festivals
which last
for more
than seven
days
without
long
holidays
like
navratri,
ganpati,
ramzaan,
50%ofeach 44
vacation

Non
Above
local
36
guidelin months
es
parties
residing
beyond
200k.m.

ADDITI
ONAL
HOLIDA
YS

Section/cha
pter

The non Chapter450

local,non
custodial
parent
shall be
entitledto
exercise
other
reasonable

WEEKEN
D

EVERY
WEEKEND

WEEKDA
YS
VACATI
ON

NIL
SUMMER,
DIWALI
CHRISTMAS

visitation
in

the
local of
thechilds
primary
residence
upon
reasonable
notice to
the
custodial
parent
11.00 a.m. 52
to 06.00
p.m.
Saturday
and/or
Sunday
50%
vacation

54

PARENTINGPLAN

ApprovedbyHon'bleHighCourtof
HimachalPradesh

PARENTINGPLAN
Thenumbersofdivorcecasesarerising,moreandmorecoupleshave
been approaching family court for divorce, resulting in rise of
bitterchildcustodyandaccessmatters.
A serious need is therefore felt for the introduction of a
ParentingPlanwhichwillhelpreducetheburdenofcourtstoagreat
extent and will also help in speedy disposal of court cases.
ParentingPlanshallalsobringoutaneasebetweenthecoupleswho
areundergoingseparation.
Duringtheinitialstageitselfacopyofparentingplan
canbeprovidedtothecouplesmakingthemawareandhelptheparents
mutuallydrawasuitableparentingplanagreeableandacceptableto
boththeparentsandwhichwouldcoveraspectsrelatedtothechild
custodyandaccessinthebestinterestandwelfareofthechild.
Whenchildrenknowthattheirparentshavetalkedabout
what'sbestforthem,andknowthataplaniswrittendown,theyare
likelytofeelcaredforandsafer.Childrencanpredicttheshapeof
theirlivesandknowthatparentswillkeeptheadultissuesbetween
adults(theallegationsandargumentsbetweenthecoupleenteringthe
parentingplanwouldbeatminimum),Childrenwillbeabletomanage
thestressesandfearsoftheseparationmuchbetterandtheymaynot
berequiredtovisitcourtforaccessorforhearingthatoften.
Thecourtscandirectthecoupletodrawaparentingplan
(justlikeconsentterns)withinaperiodofsixty(60)daysandalso
passappropriateordersbasedontheparentingplan.
AParentingPlanorCustodyAgreementisrequiredbythecourt
whenparentsdivorceorseparate.AParentingPlanallowsparentsto
avoidfutureconflictsindealingwithresponsibilitiesrelatingto
the children. Without specific agreements around these
responsibilitiesdisputescanariseandlitigationmaybeneededto
resolvetheseissues.
Divorceandseparationarepainfulforeveryoneinvolved
particularly children. At this challenging time children need
support,loveandcontactwithbothparents.
Somecertaintyaboutthefutureisalsoveryimportantfor
everyone.Awrittenparentingplan,workedoutbetweenparents,will
helpclarifythearrangementsneededbytheparentstoputinplace
tocareforthechildren.Itwillhelpeveryoneinvolved
2.
toknowwhatisexpectedofthemanditwillbeavaluablereference
astimepassesandcircumstanceschange.
Ifthestandardparentingplanbythecourtisagreedby
parties before the court hearing, it is called stipulated. Court
canapprovethestipulatedparentingplanwithoutcourthearing.
A standard parenting plan by the Court puts the best
interests of the child first. It is drawn up in good will with a
shared commitment to the children and their future firmly in mind

(justlikeconsentterms).
Indevelopednationsmostofthestates,thereisalaw
required that courtordered parenting plans must set forth the
minimumamountofparentingtimeandaccessanoncustodialparentis
entitledtohave.
Aparentingplanisawrittenagreementbetweenparents
coveringpracticalissuesofparentalresponsibilityapprovedbythe
Court.
Parenting Plan will detail practical decisions about
children'scareinsuchareasas:

ParentingTime(physicalcustody)

MajorDecisionMaking(legalcustody)

Visitation/Access

TransportationandExchanges

SchoolHolidays,VacationsandFestivals

ChildSupport/Maintenance

ADisputeResolutionProcess

SchoolsAttendedandAccesstoRecords

PhysicalandMentalHealthCare

ContactInformation,Relocation

ActivitiesandSchoolfunctions

OvernightsandVisitation

CommunicationsandMutualDecisionMaking

Mediation

MedicalInsurance

ContactwithRelativesandSignificant
Others.
Parentsnormallycanmakevariationstothecourtstandard
parenting plan or develop a different custom plan if the judge
approvesthechanges.
Parentslatercanmodifytheexistingparentingplanbyfiling
a new request with a court when circumstances have changed.
Aparentingplancantakeanyform,howeveritmustbemadefreefrom
anythreatduressorcoercion.Itmustbeinwritingandsignedand
datedbybothparents.

3.
Ifbothparentsagreeonarrangements,Parentscansubmit
parentingplanjustlikeconsentterms)totheCourtandCourtcan
passanappropriateorderbasedontheparentingplan,givingitthe
samelegaleffectasanordermadeafteraCourthearing.Parenting
PlanapprovedbyCourtwouldbeoneformofconsentorderissuedby
theCourt.
Ifparentscannotagreeonarrangementsforchildrenthey
mayneedtohavetheCourtdecideandissueaParentingOrder.
IndecidingparentingarrangementstheCourtmustalways
consider.
Thebestinterestsofthechild
+ The extent to which both parents have complied with their
obligationsinrelationtothechild,whichmayincludethosesetout
inastandardparentingplan(Asfollow).

StandardParentingPlan
StateofHimachal
COURT
PLACE
Pradesh
PERMANENTPARENTINGPLANORDER
ProposedAgreedOrderedbythe
Court.

PETITIONNO:DIVISION

DATE:
PETITIONER(Name,Middle,Last)

RESPONDENT(Name:First,Middle,
Last.

Address:

Address:

MotherFather.
MotherFather.
Themotherandfatherwillbehavewitheachotherandeachchild
so as to provide a loving, stable, consistent and nurturing
relationshipwiththechildeventhoughtheyareseparated/divorced.
Theywillnotspeakbadlyofeachotherorthemembersofthefamily
oftheotherparent.Theywillencourageeachchildtocontinueto
lovetheotherparentandbecomfortableinbothfamilies.
Thisplanisanewplan.
ChildsName
DateofBirth

ParentingPlanNote:
Tickthatisapplicable/Strikeoutwhatmaynotbeapplicable.

I.RESIDENTIALPARENTINGSCHEDULE
A.
RESIDENTIALTIMEWITHEACHPARENT
ThePrimaryResidentialParent(Custodialparent)isunderthe
abovescheduleeachparentwillspendthefollowingnumberofdays
withthechildren:
Mother______________days
Father_______________days
B.
DAYTODAYSCHEDULE
Themother/fathershallhaveresponsibilityforthecareand
accessofthechildorchildrenexceptatthefollowingtimeswhen
theotherparentshallhaveresponsibilityandaccess:
From_________________________to_______________________
Dayandtime
Dayandtime
everyweekeveryotherweekother:_____________________
(Advisabletwodaysweeklyaccess2hourseachduringtheweekat
localsofthechild)
Theotherparentshallalsohaveresponsibilityforthecare
andaccessofthechildorchildrenattheadditionalparentingtimes
specifiedbelow:
From___________________________to_____________________
Dayandtime
Dayandtime
everyweekeveryotherweekother:_____________________
Thisparentingschedulebegins_________ordateoftheCourt's
Order.
Dayandtime
(OvernightweekendaccessAdvisableeveryweekFriday6pmtoSaturday6pmor
Saturday6pmtoSunday6pm)or(everyotherweekendFriday6pmtoSunday6pm).

C.

HOLIDAYSCHEDULEANDOTHERSCHOOLFREEDAYS
Indicateifchildorchildrenwillbewithparent
DuringFESTIVALSEVERYYEAR:
MOTHER(tick)________TIMINGSFATHER(tick)________
NewYear
GuruGovind
Singhs
Birthday
25thJanuary
26thJan
RepublicDay
GuruRavidas
Jayanti
Holi
Dr.Bheemrao
Ambedkar
Jayanti
GoodFriday
15thApril,
HimachalDay
RamNavami
BudhPurnima
IdulFitr
MothersDay
FathersDay
15thAugust
Independence
Day
Rakshabandhan
Day
Janmasthami
Mahatma
Gandhis
Birthday
Dussehra
Holidays
IdusZuha
(Bakrid)
Diwali

Moharram
Eid
GuruNanak
Birthday
ChristmasDay
Mothers
Birthday
Fathers
Birthday
Childs
Birthday
Allotherlocal
holidays
(AdvisabletoChooseany9daysduringtheyear)

OtherSchoolFree
Days_______________________________________________________________
OthersignificantFamily
Occasions:___________________________________________________________
_______________________________________

(Chooseany3daysduringtheyear)
Aweekendaccess/holidayshallbeginat6.00p.m.onthenight
precedingtheholidayandendat6.00p.m.thenightoftheholiday,
unlessotherwisenotedabove.
D.
LongFestivalWeekendHolidays(ifapplicableSummerVacations
WintervacationsDussehra/Diwali/Christmasholidays.
The day to day schedule shall apply except as
follow:______________________________________________________________
_________________beginning___________
E.
Other

agreement

of

the
parents________________________________________
F.
CHRISTMASVACATION
The daytoday schedule shall apply except as
follows:________________beginning____________________
G.
SUMMERVACATION/WINTERVACATION.
The daytoday schedule shall apply except as
follows:_____________________________________________________________
___beginning_________________________
Iswrittennoticerequired? Yes No. If so, ____________number
ofdays.
Note:
Theaccessdenied/deprivedbythecustodialparentshallbe
compensatedwithindaysofreceivingthenotice/requestfromthenon
custodialparent.
H.
TRANSPORTATIONARRANGEMENTS
The place of meeting for the exchange of the child or
childrenshallbe:________________________
Paymentoflongdistancetransportationcosts(ifapplicable):
mother

father

both

equally.

Other
arrangements:__________________________________
A parent he or she must make reasonable transportation
arrangementstoprotectthechildorchildrenwhileinthecareof
thatparent.

ISUPERVISIONOFPARENTINGTIME(ifapplicable)

Checkifapplicable
Supervisedparentingtimeshallapplyduringthedayto
dayscheduleasfollows:
______________________________________________Place:
_______________________________Personororganization
Supervising:_______________________________________.

Responsibilityforcost,ifany:motherfatherbothequally.
J.OTHER
Thefollowingspecialprovisionsapply:
II.DECISIONMAKING

A.
DAYTODAYDECISIONS
Eachparentshallmakedecisionsregardingthedaytodaycare
ofachildwhilethechildisresidingwiththatparent,including
anyemergencydecisionsaffectingthehealthorsafetyofachild.
B.
MAJORDECISIONS
Majordecisionsregardingeachchildshallbemadeasfollows:
Educationaldecisions
mother father joint
Nonemergencyhealthcare
mother father joint
Religiousupbringing
mother father joint
Extracurriculaactivities
mother father

joint
__________________________
NAMEOFTHECHILD&SURNAME: The custodialparent shall not be
entitled tochange the nameor the surname of the childwhich has
beengiventothechildaspereitheraceremonyperformedforthe
sameorthenamealongwiththefatherssurnameasitappearsinthe
birthcertificatewithoutthecourtorderorwrittenconsentofthe
noncustodialparent.
REMOVALOFCHILDFROMDAYCAREORSCHOOL:
Thenoncustodialparentwillbeinformed60daysinadvance,
incase,ifthechildisbeingremovedfromthedaycareorschool.
MEDICATION,ILLNESSORACCIDENT:
Ifthechildbecomesillorisinvolvedinanaccident,and
treatmentbyamedicalprofessionalisobtained,theparentwhohas
thechild at the time of the illness oraccident shall notify the
other parent as soon as practicable but no later than three hours
after the incident or diagnosis. ILLNESS OF THE CHILD SHALL NOT
PREVENTVISITATIONWITHTHECHILD,UNLESSTHECHILDISHOSPITALIZED.
NONCUSTODIALPARENTCANVISITTHECHILDINHOSPITAL.
III.FINANCIALSUPPORT/MAINTENANCE
A.
CHILDSUPPORT
FathersgrossmonthlyincomeisRs._________________
MothersgrossmonthlyincomeisRs._________________
1.Thefinalchildsupportorderisasfollows:
motherfathershallpaytotheotherparentasregularchild
supportthesumofRs.__________monthly.
The Child Support/Maintenance/Worksheet/Order shall be attached to
thisOrderasanExhibit.
2.
Paymentsshallbeginonthe________dayof _________,20_____
Thissupport/maintenanceshallbepaid:

Directlytotheotherparent.

TotheCourt

Bydirectdeposittotheotherparentat________________Bankfor
depositinaccountno.__________Other:____________.
Theparentsacknowledgethatcourtapprovalmustbeobtained
beforechildsupportcanbereducedormodified.
CHILDSUPPORT/MAINTENANCE:
Nonpayment or late payment of child support is NOT an

acceptablereasontodenyorinterferewithvisitation.Conversely,
denial of visitation is NOT justification for nonpayment or late
paymentofchildsupport.BothparentsagreethattheChildsupport
andchildvisitationareseparateandindependentissuesandarenot
tobemanipulatedbyeitherparenttogainleverageovertheother
parent with regard to visitation or child support. Child support
shall NOT stop during visitation periods, unless provided by court
order.
B.
HEALTHANDINSURANCE
Reasonablehealthinsuranceonthechildorchildrenwillbe:

maintainedbythemother

maintainedbythefather

maintainedbyboth

IV.PRIMARYRESIDENTIALPARENT(CUSTODIAN)FOROTHERLEGAL
PURPOSES
Thechildorchildrenarescheduledtoresidethemajority
ofthetimewiththemotherfather.Thisparentisdesignatedas
theprimaryresidentialparent alsoknown as the custodian, SOLELY
forpurposesofanyotherapplicablestatelaws.Iftheparentsare
listedinSectionIIasjointdecisionmakers,then,forpurposesof
obtaininghealthorotherinsurance,theyshallbeconsideredtobe
jointcustodians.
THIS DESIGNATION DOES NOT AFFECT EITHER PARENTS RIGHTS OR
RESPONSIBILITIESUNDERTHISPARENTINGPLAN.
V. DISAGREEMENTSORMODIFICATIONOFPLANORNON
COMPLIANCE.
ShouldtheparentsdisagreeaboutthisParentingPlanorwishto
modify it, or in case of the noncompliancethey must make a good
faith effort to resolve the issue by the process selected below
beforereturningtoCourt.
MediationbyaneutralpartychosenbytheparentsortheCourt.
TheCourtDUETOORDEROFPROTECTIONORRESTRICTIONS.
ItmustbecommencedbynotifyingtheotherparentandtheCourtby
writtenrequest
registeredmail.
other:__________________________
Inthedisputeresolutionprocess:
A.
Preferenceshallbegiventocarryingoutthis
Parenting
Plan.
B.
Theparentsshallusetheprocesstoresolve
disputes

relatingtoimplementationofthePlan.
C.
Awrittenrecordshallbepreparedofany agreement reached,
anditshallbeprovided
to
eachparent.
D.
IftheCourtfindsthataparentwillfullyfailed
to appear
withoutgoodreason,theCourt,upon
motion, may pass appropriate
order.
Noncomplianceoftheparentingplanmayamounttobreachof
trust and parents are required to approach court for appropriate
action.
VI.RIGHTS
Bothparentsrecognizechilds/childrensrightto:

Emotionalandphysicalsafety,stabilityand
security.

Feellovedbybothofusandsignificantfamily members.

Knowandbecaredforbybothparentsand significant family

members.

Developindependentandmeaningfulrelationshipswith

each
parent.
RIGHTSOFPARENTS
Bothparentsareentitledtothefollowingrights:
1)
The right to unimpeded telephone and webcam
conversationswiththechildatleasttwiceaweekatreasonable

timesandforreasonabledurations;
2)
Therighttosendmail/giftstothechildwhichtheother
parentshallnotopenorcensor;
3)
The right to receive notice and relevant information as
soonaspracticablebutwithinthree(3)hoursofanyeventof
hospitalization,majorillnessordeathofthechild;
4)
Therighttoreceivedirectlyfromthechildsschoolany
school records customarily made available to parents. (The
school may require a written request which includes a current
mailing address and upon payment of reasonable costs of
duplicating.)Theseincludecopiesofthechildsreportcards,
attendance records, names of teachers, class schedules, and
standardizedtestscores.
5)
Therighttoreceivecopiesofthechildsmedicalhealth
orothertreatmentrecorddirectlyfromthephysicianorhealth
care provider who provided treatment or health care. (The
keeper of the records may require a written request which
containsacurrentmailingaddressandthepaymentofreasonable
costs of duplication). No person who receives the mailing
address of a parent as a result of this requirement shall
providesuchaddresstotheotherparentorathirdperson.
6)
Therighttobefreeofunwarrantedderogatoryremarks
madeabouttheparentorhisorherfamilybytheotherparent
tothechildorinthepresenceofthechild;
7)
Therighttobegivenatleastfortyeight(48)hours
notice, whenever possible, of all extracurricular activities,
and the opportunity to participate or observe them. These
include the following: school activities, athletic activities,
andotheractivitieswhereparentalparticipationorobservation
wouldbeappropriate;
8)
The right to receive from the other parent, in the
eventtheotherparentleavesthestatewiththeminorchildor
children for more than two (2) days, an itinerary including
telephonenumbersforuseintheeventofanemergency;
9)
Therighttoaccessandparticipationineducationon
thesamebasisthatisprovidedtoallparents. Thisincludes
therightofaccesstothechildforlunchandotheractivities.
However participation or access must be reasonable and not
interfere with daytoday operations or with the childs
educationalperformance.
10)
Right to share the names and contact details of the
friendsofthechild.
VII.NOTICEREGARDINGPARENTALRELOCATION
If a parent who is spending intervals of time with a child
desirestorelocateoutsidethestateorlocaljurisdictionfromthe
other parent within the state, the relocating parent shall send a
noticetotheotherparentattheotherparentslastknownaddress
byregisteredorcertifiedmail,thenoticeshallbemailednotlater

thansixty(60)dayspriortothemove.Thenoticeshallcontainthe
following:
Statementofintenttomove;
Locationofproposednewresidence;
Reasonsforproposedrelocation;and
Statementthattheotherparentmayfileapetitioninoppositionto
themovewithinsixty(60)daysonreceiptofthenotice.
SharingEmergencyNumbers
Compiledalistofemergencynumbersofchildren.
Father
Mother
Home:
Cell:
Email:

Home:
Cell:
Email:

Relatives

Relatives

Name1:
Relation:
Home:
Cell:

Name1:
Relation:
Home:
Cell:

Relatives

Relatives

Name2:
Relation:
Home:
Cell:

Name2:
Relation:
Home:
Cell:

SchoolContactNo:

SchoolContactNo:

DoctorName&No.

DoctorName&No.

TheparentsheretohaveexecutedthisParentingPlantheday
andyearfirst
SignMother
SignFather
LawyerforMother
LawyerforFather
AddressofMother
AddressofFather
Phone
Phone
Note:
Thejudgemaysignbelowor,instead,signaFinalDecree
oraseparateOrderincorporatingthisplanas
Exhibit___________________.
Courtcosts,ifany,asfollows:COURTCOSTS(Ifapplicable)
ItissoORDEREDthisthe_____________dayof___________.
Judge