CHILDACCESSCHILDACCESS&&

CUSTODYCUSTODYGUIDELINESGUIDELINES

APPROVEDBYTHEHON'BLEHIGHCOURTOFHIMACHALPRADESHAPPROVEDBYTHEHON'BLEHIGHCOURTOFHIMACHALPRADESH

1.

CHILDACCESS&VISITATIONGUIDELINESBY

CHILDRIGHTSFOUNDATION

INTRODUCTION:Therecenttrendinthesocietyisseeingaparadigmchangein

the matrimonial relationship. The numbers of divorce cases arerising,particularlyinthelastdecade,moreandmoremiddleandlowermiddleclasscoupleshavebeenapproachingcourtfordivorce,resultinginriseofbitterchildcustodybattles. Often,theinnocent children are used as tools of vengeance by vindictivelitigantswhoinflictsevereemotionalandpsychologicalabuseonthechildtherebyseriouslyaffectingthechildinhis/herlaterpartoflife.Failureinmarriagesissometimesduetolackofawarenessorrealization among the litigants where often one of the partnersuffersfromapersonalitydisorderand/oradjustmentdisorderwhichcanbeeasilydiagnosedthroughpsychologicalevaluation.

AseriousneedisfeltforapproachingtheHonbleCourtaswellasHCtosetproperguidelinesfortheCourts,asthiswillhelpindisposingoffthecasesquicklyinascientificmannerratherthanonspeculation.

Infamilydisputes,litigantsoftenmakefalseandvindictiveallegationsagainsteachother,wasting&consumingenormouscourtstimewhichcanbereducedconsiderably.

Furtheritwouldalsohelptosomeextentinreconciliationofmaritaldisputes.

Presently, even the Legal system, bureaucrats, politicians,statutoryagenciesforchildwelfare,NGOsetc.,haveforgottenormissed to appreciate or understand child rights as well as theimmense emotional trauma that innocent children undergo in theprocessofcustodylitigationandparentseparationduetolackofloveandaffectionfromboththeparents.

Deprivingloveandaffectionofbothparents,moreparticularlyduetoalienationofthechildbythecustodialparentandordenialofproperaccesstothenoncustodialparentbythecourtswithoutrealizingtheseriousconsequencescausedinthelaterpartofthechilds life such as drug abuse, deteriorating educationalachievement, premature sexuality, mental/ personality disorder,chronicdepression,suicidaltendency,outofwedlockbirth,andoftenamajorforcebehindseriouscrimes.

Thereisanurgentneedtoestablishwelldefinedframeworkandguidelinesforcourtsandthecounselorstoimplementwhiledecidingthecustodyofthechildren.

Delay in action or callous approach, what kind of futuresociety/generationarewegoingtocreate.

2.Needlesstosaytodaysyoutharegoingtobeleaders&thinkersoftomorrow.TheNationsfuturedependsupontodayschildren.Hence,immediateinterventionofhighercourtsmust.

Presently these issues are being decided in an absolutelysubjective fashion by the courts seriously affecting the mentalhealthofthetenderchildrenaswellasspecificviolationsofUNConventiononrightsoftheChild.

Oneofthefundamentalrightsofthechildrenistogetloveandaffectionfromboththeparents(irrespectiveofparentsconflicts),righttoqualityoflifeandsurvival,andrighttobecared,rightto develop a sense of belonging, right to participate fully infamily,culturalandsociallife.

WewouldliketobringspecificfocustoArticle39(e)&(f),thestateshalldirectitsPolicyinsuchamannerthatthetenderageofchildrenisnotabusedandchildrenaregivenopportunitiesand facilities to develop in a healthy manner and childhood isprotected against exploitation and against moral and materialabandonment.

WhileframingguidelinesacleardistinctionneedstobemadebetweentheRightsoftheChildversustheRightsofaParent(whichinvariablyendsupbeinginterpretedasRightsofonlythemother).Indiaandthe*UNCRC

TheUNCRCUnitedNationsConventionontheRightsoftheChild(UNCRC) a clarion of worldwide movement and the pinnacle ofinternational effort to promote the basic needs of children asfundamentalhumanrightsisaremarkableandwonderfulgifttothechildren which is given a go by by our current legal system.(Indiaalongwith193countrieshasalsoagreedtoundertaketheobligations of the Convention by ratifying to it as on December2008).

3.INTERIMCHILDVISITATIONGUIDELINES

Immediatelywithinoneweekfromthedateofserviceofsummonsor the first meeting with the counselor for mediation andconciliation,partiesshalldrawupaninterimvisitationplan.

Thebasicprinciplesofthecourtsaretoensurethatthechild/childrenget(s)tospendequalorsubstantialandsignificanttimetobe showered with love and affection from both the parentsirrespectiveofparentsconflict.

EffortsshouldbemadebypartiesandifnecessarycourtshoulddirectpartiestomutuallyagreeuponavisitationscheduletobedrawnupalongwiththeMarriageCounselorwithinamaximumperiodof60days.Pending,finalizationofmutualfinalovernightvisitationagreement,aninterimaccesshastobeworkedoutimmediately.

If the parties cannot agree on visitation, their firstalternative is to mediate the conflict. Visitation is for theprimarybenefitofthechild.Visitationshouldnotbeviewedasaprivilegetobeexercisedatthewhimofeitherparent,butasaresponsibilitythatshouldbefulfilledasanecessarycause. Thecustodial parent is expected to provide access of each child atunscheduledtimesifrequestedandiftodosowouldnotunreasonabledisrupt prior planned activities of the child or the custodialparent.REINTRODUCTIONOFABSENTPARENT: The Guidelines assume that eachparenthasbeenacontinuouspresenceinthechildrenslives.Intheeventthataparenthashadlimitedornocontactwithhisorherchildrenandwishestobereintroducedintothechildrenslives,itisuptotheparentstoagreeonthemeansbywhichthisistobeaccomplished. If the parents are unable to agree, the firstalternative shall be to mediate the conflict. If mediation issuccessful,itshallbetheresponsibilityoftheCourttoadoptascheduletoeasethereintroduction.

CHAPTER1INTERIMVISITATION

ThefollowingvisitationguidelinesshouldbalancetheneedsofbothparentandChild,regardlessofwhetherthatchildhasoldersiblingextendedvisitationwiththeNoncustodialparent.A.VISITATION(CHILDRENAGEDBETWEEN0TO36MONTHS)

Thefollowingvisitationguidelinesshouldbalancetheneedsofbothparentandchild,regardlessofwhetherthatchildhasoldersiblings that enjoy extended visitation with the Noncustodialparent.1.WEEKENDS: TheNoncustodialparentshallbeentitledtoweekendvisitation every weekend. For children between 0 to 36 monthsvisitationshallbebetween11A.M.to2.00P.M.or4.30P.M.to7.30P.M.onSaturdayandSundayduringtheweekendandTwice(twotimes)duringWeekendbetweenMondaytoFridayfor1%hours(90minutes).

4.2.WEEKDAYVISITATION: TheNoncustodialparentshallbeentitledtovisitationtwo(2)eveningsperweekduringweekdaybetweenMondaytoFridayfor1%hours(90Minutes). Theseshallbethesametwoevenings every week and varied only if the weekday visitationscheduleconflictswiththeholidayorvacationschedule. Iftheparties cannot agree, weekday visitation shall be on Monday andWednesday.3.HOLIDAYS: Thenoncustodialparentshallbeentitledtospendatleast3Threehoursontheholidayorfestivedayincluding15th

August, 25th January, 26th January, 15th April, 2nd October, 14th

November(Childrensday)excludingthetimeoftravel.Onlywhereitisnotpossibletoshareduringthefestivaldayduetoreasonsofdistance or otherwise. In oddnumbered years, the Noncustodialparentshallbeentitledtospendwiththeminorchild;inevennumbered years, the schedule shall be reversed. A partysentitlementtoHolidayvisitationoverridestheotherparty'srighttoregularlyscheduledweeknightorweekendvisitation.Ifeitherorboth parties celebrate other holidays, such holidays should bewrittendown,dividedandalternatedeachyear.Note: Forchildrenagedbetween0to36monthsitshallbeopenforthecustodialparenttoremainpresentduringvisitation.

i. Visitationshallbefrom11.00a.m.until2:00p.m.or4.00p.m.to7.00p.m.ontheofficialholiday.

B.VISITATION(CHILDREN36MONTHSAND4.WEEKENDS: TheNoncustodialparentshallbeentitledtoweekendvisitationeveryotherweekendoreveryweekendonenighteveryweek.EveryotherweekendVisitationshallbeginFridayat4:00p.m.andendat4:00p.m.onSunday. IfeveryweekendvisitationisoptedtheneveryweekovernightvisitationshallbegineitherfromeveryFridayat4.00p.m.andendonSaturday4.00p.m.orfromeverySaturday4.00p.m.andendon4.00p.m.onSunday.ItisnottheresponsibilityofthecustodialparenttoprovidefoodorshelterforthechildduringtheNoncustodialparentparentsvisitation.5.WEEKDAYVISITATION: If the parties reside within thirty (30)Kilometersdrivingdistanceofeachother,theNoncustodialparentshall have visitation two (2) evening per week for 2 two hoursbetween 2.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m., but shall exercise the weekdayvisitationinthelocaleofthechildsprimaryresidenceorwithintheradiusof10tenkilometers.Theprecedingsentenceshallnotpreclude occasional travel beyond the thirty (30) Kilometers forspecialweekdayevents.Theweekdayvisitationshallbeonthesameeveningeachweekandvariedonlyifitconflictswiththeholidayorvacationschedule.Ifthepartiescannotagreeontheweeknightandif there are no scheduled activities for Wednesday, it shall beWednesdayeveningfor2hours.IfthereareactivitiesscheduledforWednesday,

5.

theNoncustodialparentshallhavefirstchoiceofanalternateweekdayforweekdayvisitation.6.HOLIDAYS: ThenoncustodialparentshallbeentitledtospendatleastThree(3)hoursonholidaysandfestivaldayexcludingthetimeoftravel.Onlywhereitisnotpossibletoshareduringtheholidaysandfestivaldayduetoreasonsofdistanceorotherwise.ApartysentitlementtoHolidayvisitationoverridestheother partys right to regularly scheduled weeknight or weekendvisitation.Ifeitherorbothpartiescelebrateotherholidays,suchholidaysshouldbewrittendown,dividedandalternated. Intheabsenceofanagreement,thecourtshallallocatereligiousholidaysbetweentheparties.i.Visitationshallbefrom11:00a.m.until2:00p.m.Orfrom4.00pmto7.00pmontheofficialholiday.7.CHILDRENCOMPLEXROOM: Whereaccesseventhougheitheragreedbymutualconsentororderedbythecourtisnotbeinggrantedtothenoncustodial parent. Childrens complex room situated in thepremisesoftheCourtsorsuchotherplaceaseithermutuallyagreedordirectedbythecourtsuchaspremisesmadeavailableandapprovedbytheHonbleCourtshallbeusedforpurposesofcounselingthechildortheparentforaspecificperiodandthereafteraccesscancontinueasperschedulesetforth.

6.CHAPTER2

FINAL CHILD VISITATION GUIDELINES PENDING CUSTODY ORDER OF THEHONBLECOURT.8. GENERALPROVISIONS

Theparentwithprimarycustody(parentwhoishavingcustodyofchildsincebirthandistakingcareofthedaytodayandhourtohourneedofthechild)shallbereferredtohereinasthecustodialparent, and the other parent shall be referred to as the Noncustodialparent.9. ACCESSVISITATIONSCHEDULE:

ThisvisitationschedulehasbeenapprovedbytheHonbleHighCourtofH.P.asamodelvisitationschedule.Partiestoanyorderenteredbeforetheeffectivedateoftheseguidelinesmayagreeinwriting to the provisions herein, otherwise, such parties shallcontinuetocomplywiththeoldorderunlessamodificationoftheorderisenteredbythecourt.i. If the parties cannot agree on visitation, their firstalternativeistomediatetheconflict.Evenifmediationdoesnotworkthenthecourtcanpassanappropriateorderintermsofthevisitationscheduleforpartiestocomply.Specialreasonsmayexisttoalterthisvisitationschedulesuchas:ageofthechild,health,specialcareneeds,etc.ii. Withinaperiodofnotmorethan60dayspartiesshalldrawupandfinalizeafinalscheduleofvisitationasperchapter3below.iii. OnthevisitationschedulebeingdrawnandagreeduponbetweenthecustodialandthenoncustodialparentthecounselorshallhavethesamedulyexecutedbythepartiesandthesameshallbeplacedonrecordfortheapprovaloftheHonbleCourt.Partiesshallcomplywiththeagreementinfullandanyviolationshallgiverisetocauseofactiontotheaggrievedpartytoseekappropriatedirectionsfromthecourt.

A. The nocontact or limitationofcontact provisions of anydomesticviolencecase,injunctioncase,juvenilecase,orcriminalcasesupersedeanycontactprovisionssetforthintheseguidelines.Thatis,thenocontactorlimitationofcontactprovisionsofanydomesticviolencecase,injunctioncase,juvenilecase,orcriminalcaseshouldbefollowedassetforthbythejudgeinthatcase.Itmaybenecessarytoseek a modification of the no contact or limitationofcontactprovisionsinordertofacilitatevisitation.

B. Thetermlocalshallapplytopartiesresidingwithin25drivingkilometersofeachother.

C. The term non local shall apply to parties not residingwithin25drivingKilometersofeachother.

10.ENFORCEMENTOFVISITATIONSCHEDULE:If the parties cannot agreeonvisitation,theirfirstalternativeistomediatetheconflict.Evenifmediationdoesnotworkthen

7.thecourtcanpassanappropriateorderintermsofthevisitationscheduleforpartiestocomply.11.MEDICATION,ILLNESSORACCIDENT: Ifmedicationortherapyhasbeenprescribedforthechild,thenbothparentsshallwithoutfailprovidethechildallmedicalprescriptiondosages,treatmentand/ortherapyasmaybeprescribedforthechild.Theparentsshallsharethe health care professionals name and phone number as well asinstructionsfortreatment.Ifthechildbecomesillorisinvolvedinanaccident,andtreatmentbyamedicalprofessionalisobtained,theparentwhohasthechildatthetimeoftheillnessoraccidentshallnotifytheotherparentassoonaspracticablebutnolaterthanthree(3)hoursaftertheincidentordiagnosis.ILLNESSOFTHECHILDSHALLNOTPREVENTVISITATIONWITHTHECHILD.UNLESSTHECHILDISHOSPITALIZEDNONCUSTODIALPARENTCANVISITTHECHILDINHOSPITAL.12.COMMUNICATIONS. Provided that both parents have telephones intheirhomes,thechildshallbeentitledtelephonecommunicationatleast once every day with both parents. Each parent shallimmediately deliver to the child all letters, cards, emails,correspondence,telephonemessages,gifts,toys,clothesandotheritemssenttothatchildbytheotherparent.Neitherparentshallwithhold,return,destroy,giveaway,sellorotherwisedisposeofanysuchitems. Ifeitherparentplansavacationortripoutoftownwiththechildforthree(3)daysormore,thatparentmustprovidetheotherparentwithageneralitinerary,aphonenumberwhere the child can be reached, and the dates of departure andreturn. EachParentshallprovidetheotherParentpromptlyuponbeingrequestedtodoso,withinformationconcerningthewellbeingof said children including, but not limited to; monthly schoolattendancereports,reportsconcerningcompletionofhomework,copiesofreportcards,schoolmeetingnotices,vacationschedules,classprograms, requests for conferences, results of diagnostic tests,notices of activities involving said children, samples of schoolwork,orderformsforschoolpictures,communicationsfromhealthcareproviders:thenames,addressesandtelephonenumbersofallschools, preschools, regular day care providers, all health careproviders,counselors,orotheractivitysupervisor,andfriends,schoolmatesandrelatives.

13. SCHEDULED EVENTS: Both parents shall be entitled and areencouragedtoattendandparticipateinthechildsspecialevents,such as school programs, graduation, sports, recitals, and otherextracurricular activities. When the child has extracurricularactivities, the parent caring for the child when the child hasextracurricularactivities,theparentcaringforthechildwhentheactivityisscheduledshouldassurethechildsattendance. Eachparentshalladvisetheotherparentofextracurricularactivitiesinwhichthechildparticipateswithintwenty

8.four(24)hoursofnotificationofaneventoractivity.Eachparentshallmakeaneffortnottoscheduleactivitiesforthechildthatinterfereswiththeotherparentsvisitationtimewiththechild.14.ADDITIONALVISITATION:

a. TheNoncustodialparentshallbeentitledtoexerciseotherreasonablevisitationinthelocaleofthechildsprimaryresidenceoratotherplaceslikeclub,placeofworship,shop,ground,mall,uponreasonablenoticesubjecttoaminimumof12hoursnoticetothecustodialparentwhenever.Theremaybeneedwherethenoncustodialparentmaywishanddesirethatthechildshouldbepresentoncertain occasions such as poojas, religious functions,birthdays, anniversary celebration, inaugurations,marriage, or emergencies such as untimely death orhospitalization of a close relative such asgrandparent/relations etc. In such circumstances thecustodial parent shall allow access of the childimmediately.

15.ADEQUATEANDCLEANCLOTHINGFORVISITATION: AdequateandcleanclothingshallbesuppliedbythecustodialparentandalltheseclothesshallbereturnedinthesamecleanconditionbytheNoncustodial parent to the custodial parent after each visitationperiod.16. INTENTTORELOCATE: Neitherpartytothesuitcanrelocateunlessfinalvisitationrightsagreementassetoutissignedandfinalized.17. NOTICEOFINTENTTORELOCATE:Intheeventthateitherparentintendstorelocateoutsideoflocalareaofresidenceofthenoncustodialparent,he/sheshallprovidetheotherparentwithninety(90)dayswrittennoticepriortoanyrelocation.Thisisanoticeprovisiononlyanddoesnoteliminatetheneedforcourtapprovalofsuchrelocationiflegallynecessary.Intheeventsuchrelocationdoestakeplaceandthecustodialparentispermittedtorelocateandfurtherifthenoncustodialparentinordertobeabletobenearthechildandforthesakeofthechildalsochoosestorelocatethenundersuchcircumstancesthenoncustodialparentonrelocationshallenjoythesameaccessschedulesasalreadydecidedandagreedwithoutanyalterations. IntheeventthenoncustodialparentsstatuschangesfromNonlocaltoLocaltheaccessscheduleshallalsolikewisechangeandthenoncustodialparentshallbeentitledtoallprovisionsoflocalaccess.

18.CHANGESINADDRESSANDPHONENUMBERS: Neither parent shallconcealthewhereaboutsofthechildfromtheotherparent.Eachpaeentshalladvisetheotherparentatalltimesoftheresidenceaddressandtelephonenumberwherethechildwillbeaswellastheparentsworktelephonenumber.Ifaresidenceor

9.telephonenumberchanges,theparentmakingthechangeshallnotify the other parent personally or by telephone withintwentyfour(24)hoursandinwritingwithinseventytwo(72)hoursofthechange.

19. CHILDSUPPORT/MAINTENANCE: Nonpayment or late payment ofchildsupportisNOTanacceptablereasontodenyorinterferewithvisitation. Conversely,denialofvisitationisNOTjustificationfornonpaymentorlatepaymentofchildsupport.Childsupportandchildvisitationareseparateandindependentissuesandarenottobe manipulated by either parent to gain leverage over the otherparentwithregardtovisitationorchildsupport. ChildsupportshallNOTstopduringvisitationperiods,unlessprovidedbycourtorder.20. FLEXIBILITYANDTHEBESTINTERESTSOFTHECHILD:Theparentsmayagreetochangethisscheduletomeettheneedsoftheirchild.Theparents are encouraged to put such changes in writing. If theparentsdonotagreetovisitationschedulechanges,theymustadheretotheseguidelines,oraparentinviolationmaybeheldincontemptofcourt.21. SHIFTOFCUSTODY:FORREASONSOFCHILDALIENATION/TUTORING/MINDPOISONING/BRAINWASHING/PARENTALALIENATIONSYNDROME: Intheeventitisobservedorallegedbyconcretesubstantiveevidenceormaterialplacedonrecordenumeratinginstancesaslistedbelowthecourtshallproceedtoseriouslyentertainanddecidethatthecustodyofthechildbeshiftedfromthecustodialparenttothenoncustodialparentsontheirbeingconclusiveevidencetosubstantiateeitheranyoneormoreofthefollowing:A custodial parent who unjustifiably punishes her divorcing ordivorcedNoncustodialparentby:i. Attemptingtoalienatetheirmutualchild(ren)fromtheNoncustodialparent.ii. Anyact,deeddoneorcausedtobedonebythecustodialparentwhichmayleadtotheinfringementoftherightofthenoncustodialparentsvisitation.iii. InvolvingothersinmaliciousactionsagainsttheNoncustodialparent.iv. Engaginginexcessivelitigation.v. The custodial parent specifically attempts to deny herchild(ren)regularuninterruptedvisitationwiththeNoncustodialparent.vi. UninhibitedtelephoneaccesstotheNoncustodialparent.vii. ObstructsorcausesanyobstructionintheNoncustodialparentsparticipationinthechild(ren)sschoollifeandextracurricularactivities.viii. The pattern is pervasive and includes malicious actstowardstheNoncustodialparentincluding:ix. Lyingtothechildren

x. Lyingtoothers10.xi. ViolationsoflaworMakingFalseComplaints.xii. Thedisorderisnotspecificallyduetoanothermentaldisorderalthoughaseparatementaldisordermaycoexist.

22.NEWSPOUSEORCOMPANION: The parents shall not encourage thechildtocallanewspouseorcompanionPapaMummy,Father,Dad,Mother,Mom,orsimilarnames,as such is detrimental to the childs relationship with his/hernaturalparentsandmayconfuseandadverselyaffectthechild.Asubstitutenamemaybesuggestedorencouraged.Eachparentshallencourageanewspouseorcompanionnottoconfrontortointerferewiththeotherparentscontactsorvisitationwiththechildandeach parent is expected to prevent any such confrontation orinterference.Theotherparentshallnotbeadversarialorhostileto a new spouse or companion but shall be courteous, polite,respectful,andnonthreatening.Unlessotherwiseorderedoragreedbytheparties,theparentsareexpectedtospeakdirectlywitheachother concerning all matters related to a divorce or separationjudgmentororder.

23. NAMEOFTHECHILD&SURMANE: Thecustodialparentshallbeentitledtochangethenameorthesurnameofthechildwhichhasbeengiventothechildaspereitheraceremonyperformedforthesameorthenamealongwiththefatherssurnameasitappearsinthebirthcertificate.24.CHANGEOFSCHOOLORDAYCARECENTRE: Thecustodialparentshallnotbeentitledtoadmit,changetheschoolorthedaycarecentreofthe child without written consent and/or agreement between theparties.Iftheissuesisnotbeingresolvedthensuchadmission,changeofschool/daycarecentreofthechildshallbeaspertheorderofthecourt.25.REMOVALOFCHILDFROMDAYCAREORSCHOOL:IntheabsenceofprioragreementbetweenthepartiesandpropernotificationofthedaycareorschoolexceptintheeventofanyemergencytheNoncustodialparent shall not remove the child from daycare or school forvisitationorotherwise. Thisparagraphshallnotbeappliedtopreclude the Noncustodial parents participation as a parent inschoolactivitiesandaccesstothechildatschooltothesameextentasaffordedthecustodialparent,nortopreventtheNoncustodialparentfrompickingthechildupafterschoolordaycareifsuchpickupispursuanttothepartiesvisitationarrangement.26.CANCELLATIONBYNONCUSTODIALPARENT:A. Local (parties residing within 25 driving Kilometers of eachother)

i. Twelve (12)hours noticeshallbegivenbytheparententitled to visitation for a holiday if visitation will not beexercised.

11.ii. AminimumofFifteen(15)daysnoticeshallbegivenby

the parententitledtovisitationforaholidayifvisitationwillnotbe exercised.

iii. Aminimumofthree(3)daysnoticeshallbegivenin writingbytheparententitledtovisitationforaperiodofone

week orgreaterifvisitationwillnotbeexercised.iv. Theparentseekingcancellationshallarrangeandpayforbabysitting,childcareorotherappropriatevisitationofthe

childfor thevisitationperiod:totheextentsuchexpenseisdue to the cancellation. ANY VISITATION CANCELLED BY THE NONCUSTODIALPARENTSHALLBEFORFEITED,UNLESSTHEPARTIESAGREETOSUBSTITUTEVISITATION. THEREQUIREDCANCELLATIONNOTICEISGIVEN; THECUSTODIALPARENTSHALLNOTUNREASONABLYWITHHOLDSUBSTITUTEVISITATION.27. NOTICENONLOCAL (PARTIES NOT RESIDING WITHIN 25 DRIVINGKILOMETERSOFEACHOTHER):i. Aminimumofthreedays(3days)noticeshallbegivenbytheparententitledtovisitationforaholidayorspecialoccasionifvisitationwillnotbeexercised.AminimumofFifteen(15)daysnoticeshallbegiveninwritingbytheparententitledtovisitationforDiwali,Christmas,Summervacations/wintervacationsoranannualvisitationperiodofone(1)weekorgreaterifvisitationwillnotbeexercised.IfthecancellationisNOTagreedtobybothparents,theparentseekingcancellationmustarrangeandpayforchildcareorotherappropriatesupervisionofthechildforthevisitationperiod,to the extent such expense is due to the cancellation. ANYVISITATIONCANCELLEDBYTHENONCUSTODIALPARENTSHALLBEFORFEITED,UNLESSTHEPARTIESAGREETOSUBSTITUTEVISITATION.IFTHEREQUIREDCANCELLATION NOTICE IS GIVEN. THE CUSTODIAL PARENT SHALL NOTUNREASONABLYWITHHOLDSUBSTITUTEVISITATION.ii.ADDITIONALVISITATION:TheNoncustodialparentshallbeentitledtoexerciseotherreasonablevisitationinthelocalofthechildsprimaryresidenceuponreasonablenoticetothecustodialparent.

28. TRANSPORTATIONA. LOCAL(Partiesresidingwithin25drivingKilometersofeachother): The Noncustodial parent shall pick up the child forvisitationandthecustodialparentshallpickupthechildaftervisitation.Athirdparty,agreedtobybothparents,maysubstitutefor one of the parents in transporting the child to and fromvisitation. The parties should reasonably consider a parentscurrentspouseorafamilymemberofthechildasasubstitute.Apartywhomovesandtherebycausesanincreaseofmorethanthirty(30)Kilometersindrivingdistancebetweenthetwoparents,shallbear responsibility for transportation in absence of Courtintervention.

12.Theplaceofpickupanddropofthechildshallbeagreedto

inwritingbyboththeparents.However,theplaceofpickupanddropshalleitherbetheresidenceofthecustodialparentorthecourtchildrenscomplexorasorderedbytheHonbleCourt.B.NONLOCAL(PARTIESNOTRESIDINGWITHIN25DRIVINGKILOMETERSOFEACHOTHER):Thecourtshalldecidetheissueoftransportationonacasebycasebasisabsentanagreementbytheparties.

29.WAITING:Achildshallbepickedupordeliveredwithinthirty(30)minutesofthescheduledtimeofexchange.IftheNoncustodialparentismorethanthirty(30)minuteslatetopickupthechildforvisitationandcreatesahardshipasaresult,visitationshallbeforfeitedforthatvisitationperiod. Iflegitimatereasonsexistfor delay in picking up the child for any weekend or longervisitation,andbeginningthevisitationthenextdaydoesnotcreateahardshiponthecustodialparent,theNoncustodialparentmaypickupthechildatamutuallyagreedupontimelaterinthevisitationperiod.TheNoncustodialparentshallgivethecustodialparentasmuchnoticeasreasonablypossibleofanydelayinpickingupthechild.30.AMENDMENTS:Partiescanvary:altertheinterimaccessscheduleasperconveniencewithinaperiodofoneweekfromthedateofpresentationofthepetitionbeforetheHonblecourtorwithinoneweek from the date of their meeting with the counselor formediation whichever is earlier. In the event parties fail toarrive at a decision and conclude on the interim visitationschedulethenthecounselorshalldrawupaninterimvisitationscheduleandplacethesamebeforetheHonblecourttobemadefinalbyanorderofthecourt.

31.OVERNIGHTACCESS:Courtsareunderobligationstoconsiderthechildspendingequaltime,orsubstantialandsignificanttime,witheachparent. Inmakingaparentingorderthecourtmustconsidermakingordersthatthechildspendequaltime,orifnotequal then substantial and significant time, with each parent.Substantialandsignificanttimeisdefinedtomean,essentially,weekdaysandovernightweekendsandholidays,timesthatallowtheparent to be involved in the childs daily routine as well asoccasionsandeventsthatareofparticularsignificancetothechild or the parent child to maintain or consolidate a secureattachment with a parent whose behaviour is oriented only tovisitingratherthancaregiving.

.Childrenhavetherighttoknowandbecaredforbyboththeirparents, regardless of whether their parents area married,separated, divorced, have never married or have never livedtogether;and

13..Childrenhavearighttospendtimeonaregularbasiswith,andcommunicateonaregularbasiswith,boththeirparentsandotherpeoplesignificanttotheircare,welfareanddevelopment(suchasgrandparentsandotherimmediatefamilymembers&relatives);and.Childrenhavearighttoenjoytheirculture(includingtherighttoenjoythatculturewithotherpeoplewhosharethatculture). OverNightAccessathomeofthenoncustodialparentshouldbeencouragedatanearlystagesothatthechildrenhaveacloseandcontinuingrelationshipandgetthelove,affectionofnotonlyparentsbutalsoofgrandparentsandotherimmediatefamilymemberslike uncle, aunties, cousins etc. The healthy emotionaldevelopmentofchildrendependsupontheirearlyexperienceofacontinuous,emotionallyavailablecaregivingrelationship,throughwhichtheyareabletoformanorganizedattachment,andtodeveloptheirhumancapacitiesforthoughtandrelationshipsessentially.

Childrenhavetheirrighttochildhoodofhopefulexistencefreeofexploitations,neglect. Childrenneedconsistentsupportsystemaswellaslove,hopeandencouragement,allthesethingsand more are required in order to experience childhood to thefullestandtoeventuallydevelopintoahealthy,capableadultforthe full and hormonal development of his or her personalitychildrenshouldgrowupinafamilyenvironmentinanatmosphereofhappiness,loveandunderstandingwhichisveryimportantfortheiroverall growth and well being. The children should be fullypreparedtolivelifeinsociety,inthespirit,dignitytolerance,freedom, equality and solidarity. However, young children aresubjectedtoexploitationespeciallyinabrokenmarriagewherethecourt has to intervene to protect the rights of the child.Childrenhavetobeensuredthattheirrighttoparentalaccess,righttoqualityoflife,righttobecaredfor,andrighttofreedomofexpressionisnotcompromisedandchildrengetloveandaffectionfrombothparentsandgrandparentsandimmediatefamilymembers.Theyshouldhaveasenseofbelongingtoahealthyfamilyenvironmentmaintainingtheirheritagesothatthegenealogyofthechildisnotlostafterattainingadulthoodandtheyareabletobelinkedwiththeirancestors.Overnightaccessshouldthereforebeencouragedatanearlystage.

14.

CHAPTER3LOCALGUIDELINES

(PARTIESRESIDINGWITHIN25DRIVINGKILOMETERSOFEACHOTHER)C.FINALVISITATION(CHILDRENBETWEENAGE0TO36MONTHS)The following visitation guidelines should balance the needs ofbothparentsandchild,regardlessofwhetherthatchildhasoldersiblings that enjoy extended visitation with the Noncustodialparent.32.WEEKENDS:TheNoncustodialparentshallbeentitledtoovernightweekendvisitationeveryweekend. Forchildrenbetween0to36monthsvisitationshallbebetween11.00A.M.to2.00P.M.or4.30P.M.to7.30P.M.onSaturdayandSundayandtwice(twotimes)duringweekdaybetweenMondaytoFridayfor1%hours(90minutes). Oneofthemostimportantconsiderationsisforattachmentwithbothparents.Itisimportantforvisitationtoprovideopportunitiestoestablishabondbetweenthechildand the parent. Generally, frequency of visitation is given moreconsiderationthandurationofvisitation. Makingupforlessfrequentvisitsbyincreasingthelengthoftimeofvisitsisnotrecommendedforinfantsrecommendeddailyvisits,butifthisisimpractical,thenvisitsshouldbespacedtomorethantwodaysapart.Thereisresearch,however,toshowthatovernightvisitswiththeparentcanoccur,providedthattheparenthasbeenasignificantcaretakerandaprimaryattachmentfigure.33.WEEKDAYVISITATION:TheNoncustodialparentshallbeentitledtovisitationtwo(2)eveningsperweekduringweekdaybetweenMondaytoFridayfor1%hours(90minutes).Theseshallbethesametwoeveningseveryweekandvariedonlyiftheweekdayvisitationscheduleconflictswiththeholidayorvacationschedule. Ifthepartiescannotagree,weekdayvisitationshallbeonMondayandWednesday.34.HOLIDAYS:Thenoncustodialparentshallbeentitledtospendatleast3Threehoursontheholidayorfestivaldayincluding15th August,2th

January, 26th January, 15th April, 2nd October (Gandhi Jayanti), 14th

November(Childrensday)excludingthetimeoftravel.Onlywhereitisnotpossibletoshareduringthefestivaldayduetoreasonsofdistanceorotherwise.Inoddnumberedyears,theNoncustodialparentshallbeentitled to spend with the minor child; in even numbered years, thescheduleshallbereversed.ApartysentitlementtoHolidayvisitationoverridestheotherpartysrighttoregularlyscheduledweeknightorweekendvisitation.Ifeitherorbothpartiescelebrateotherholidays,suchholidaysshouldbewrittendown,dividedandalternatedeachyear.NOTE:Forchildrenagedbetween0to36monthsitshallbeopenforthecustodialparenttoremainpresentduringvisitation.

15.

i. Visitationshallbefrom11.00a.m.until2.00p.m.orfrom4.00p.m.to7.00p.m.ontheofficialholiday.

ii. Mothersdayshallbespentwiththemothereveryyearwithpriorityoveranyothervisitationschedule;visitationhoursshallbefrom11.00a.m.until2.0pmor4.00pmto7.00pm.

iii. Fathersdayshallbespentwiththefathereveryyearwithpriorityoveranyothervisitationschedule;visitationhoursshallbefrom11.00am.Until2.00p.m.or4.00pmto7.00pm

iv. Diwali/Eid/Moharram/Makarsakranti(Lohri)/Janmashtmi/ MahavirJayanti/Mahashivratri/ Ramnavi/ New Year/Dussera/ GurunanakJayanti/ RakshaBandhan/ Navratri/ Ganesh Chaturthi/Holivisitationtothenoncustodialparentshallbeforaperiodof3 year hours excluding traveling time and timings shall bedecidedbetweenthepartiesmutually.

35.FESTIVALSWEEKENDOVERNIGHTACCESS:Festivalswhichlastformorethan seven days especially Navratri, Ganpati and Ramzan and forwhichlongholidaysarenotavailabletothechildthenoncustodialparentshallbeentitledtooneweekendovernightstayduringthisstretchoffestival.Apartysentitlementtothisfestivalweekendovernight stay overrides the other partys right to regularlyscheduledweeknightorweekendvisitation.

36.MOTHERSBIRTHDAY:shallbespentwiththemothereveryyear.IfthemotheristheNoncustodialparentandthemothersbirthdayisonSunday,Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,orThursday,visitationhours shall be from 5.00 p.m. until 8.00 p.m. If the mothersbirthdayisonSaturdayorSunday,visitationshallbefrom11.00a.m. to 4.00 p.m. This visitation will not affect holidayvisitation.

37.FATHERSBIRTHDAY: shallbespentwiththefathereveryyear.IfthefatheristhenoncustodialparentandthefathersbirthdayisonSunday,Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,orThursday,visitationhours shall be from 5.00 p.m. until 8.00 p.m. If the fathersbirthdayisonSaturdayorSunday,visitationshallbefrom11.00a.m. to 4.00 p.m. This visitation will not affect holidayvisitation.

38.CHILDSBIRTHDAY:Thechildshallcelebratehisorherbirthdaywith the Noncustodial parent in oddnumbered years and thecustodialparentinevennumberedyears. Inyearsthatthechildspendshisorherbirthdaywiththenoncustodialparent,ifthechildsbirthdayfallsonSunday,Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,orThursday,visitationshallbefrom5.00pm.Until8.00p.m;ifthechildsbirthdayfallsonSaturdayorSunday,visitationshallbefrom11.00a.m.to4.00p.m.Theparentholdingabirthday

16.

partyforthechildmaywishtoconsiderinvitingtheotherparent.39.ANNUALVISITATIONFORCHILDREN(UNDERAGED0TO36MONTHS).Unless otherwise agreed to by the parties, regular weekend andweekday visitation shall be maintained year round in lieu of adesignatedannualvisitationperiod.

D.FINALVISITATION(CHILDREN36MONTHSANDOLDER)

40.WEEKENDS:TheNoncustodialparentshallbeentitledtoweekendvisitationeveryotherweekend. VisitationshallbeginFridayat6.00p.m.andendat6.00p.m.onSunday.IfpartieswishtoavailcontinuouseveryweekaccesstheneveryweekendaccessshallbeginfromFridayat6.00p.m.andendonSaturday6.00p.m.orSaturday6.00p.m.toSunday6.00p.m.ItisnottheresponsibilityofthecustodialparenttoprovidefoodorshelterforthechildduringtheNoncustodialparentsvisitation.41.WEEKDAYVISITATION:Ifthepartiesresidewithinthirty(30)Kilometersdrivingdistanceofeachother,theNoncustodialparentshallhavevisitationtwo(2)eveningperweekfor 2 twohoursbetween 6.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m., but shall exercise the weekdayvisitationinthelocaleofthechildsprimaryresidenceorwithintheradiusof10tenkilometers.Theprecedingsentenceshallnotprecludeoccasionaltravelbeyondthethirty(30)kilometersforspecialweekdayevents.Theweekdayvisitationshallbeonthesameeveningeachweekandvariedonlyifitconflictswiththeholidayorvacationschedule.IfthepartiescannotagreeontheweeknightandiftherearenoscheduleactivitiesforWednesday,itshallbeWednesdayevening.IfthereareactivitiesscheduledforWednesday,thenoncustodialparentshallhavefirstchoiceofanalternateweekdayforweekdayvisitation.

42.HOLIDAYS:Thenoncustodialparentshallbeentitledtospendatleast4Fourhoursontheholidayorfestivaldayincluding15th

August,25th January,26th January,15th April,2nd October(GandhiJayanti), 14th November (Childrens day) excluding the time oftravel.Onlywhereitisnotpossibletoshareduringthefestivaldayduetoreasonsofdistanceorotherwise.Inoddnumberedyears,theNoncustodialparentshallbeentitledtospendwiththeminorchild;inevennumberedyears,thescheduleshallbereversed.Apartys entitlement to Holiday visitation overrides the otherpartys right to regularly scheduled weeknight or weekendvisitation.IfthepartiescelebratereligiousholidaysotherthanthosedefinedinsectionsAandBbelow,thosereligiousholidaysshallbemutuallyagreeduponinwriting,divided,andalternatedeachyear.Intheabsenceofanagreement,thecourtshallallocatethosereligiousholidaysbetweentheparties.

17.i.Visitationshallbefrom11.00a.m.until3.00p.m.,or4.00p.mto8.00p.m.ontheofficialholiday.ii.Mothersdayshallbespentwiththemothereveryyearwithpriorityoveranyothervisitationschedule;visitationhoursshallbe from 11.00 a.m. until 3.000 p.m. or 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.Fathersdayshallbespentwiththefathereveryyearwithpriorityoveranyothervisitationschedule;visitationhoursshallbefrom11.00a.m.until3.00p.m.or4.00p.m.to8.00p.m.iii.Diwali/Eid/Moharram/Makarsakaranti(Lohri)/Janmashtmi/ MahavirJayanti/ Mahashivratri/ Ramnavi/ NewYear/ Dussera/ GurunanakJayanti/RakshaBandhan/Navratri/GaneshChaturthi/Holivisitationtothenoncustodialparentshallbeforaperiodof4fourhoursexcludingtravelingtimeandtimingsshallbedecidedbetweenthepartiesmutually.NOTE:Noncustodialparentshallbeentitledtotakethechildathisresidenceduringthisperiodofaccess.43.FESTIVALSWEEKENDOVERNIGHTACCESS:FestivalswhichlastformorethansevendaysespeciallyNavratri,GanpatiandRamzanandforwhichlongholidaysarenotavailabletothechildthenoncustodialparentshallbeentitledtooneweekendovernightstayduringthisstretchoffestival.Apartysentitlementtothisfestivalweekendovernight stay overrides the other partys right to regularlyscheduledweeknightorweekendvisitation.44.FIFTY%VACATION:Thenoncustodialparentshallbeentitledto50%ofeachvacationduringtheyearthechildhasvacationsforDiwali/Dussehra holidays, Christmas holiday, Winter and Summervacations.45.MOTHERSBIRTHDAY:shallbespentwiththemothereveryyear.IfthemotheristheNoncustodialparentandthemothersbirthdayisonSunday,Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,orThursday,visitationhoursshallbefrom5.00p.m.until8.00 p.m.IfthemothersbirthdayisonSaturdayorSunday,visitationshallbefrom11.00a.m. to 4.00 p.m. This visitation will not affect holidayvisitation.46.FATHERSBIRTHDAY:shallbespentwiththefathereveryyear.IfthefatheristhenoncustodialparentandthefathersbirthdayisonSunday,MondayTuesday,Wednesday,orThursday,visitationhours shall be from 5.00 p.m. until 8.00 p.m. If the fathersbirthdayisonSaturdayorSunday,visitationshallbefrom11.00a.m. to 4.00 p.m. This visitation will not affect holidayvisitation.47.CHILDSBIRTHDAY:Thechildshallcelebratehisorherbirthdaywith the Noncustodial parent in oddnumbered years and thecustodialparentinevennumberedyears. Inyearsthatthechildspendshisorherbirthdaywiththenoncustodialparent,ifthechildsbirthdayfallsonSunday,Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,orThursday,visitation

18. shallbefrom5.00p.m.until8.00p.m;ifthechildsbirthdayfallsonSaturdayorSunday,visitationshallbefrom11.00a.m.to4.00p.m.Theparentholdingabirthdaypartyforthechildmaywishtoconsiderinvitingtheotherparent.E.CHILDRENINDIFFERENTAGEGROUPINGS:i.Iftherearetwo(2)ormorechildrenwhoseagesspandifferentagegroupingsentitlingthechildrentodifferentvisitationperiodswiththenoncustodialparent,thentheyoungerchildrenshallgetthebenefitoftheoldestchildsvisitationschedule.ii.THISPROVISIONDOESNOTAPPLYTOCHILDRENAGEDBETWEEN0TO36MONTHS.PARENTSOFACHILDAGEDBETWEEN0TO36MONTHSMUSTFOLLOWTHEVISITATIONSCHEDULEFORTHATCHILDREGARDLESSOFWHETHERORNOTTHECHILDHASOLDERSIBLINGSONADIFFERENTSCHEDULE.48.SCHEDULEANNUALi. The noncustodial parent shall have first choice of annualvacationvisitationandshalldesignatesuchchoiceinwritingnolaterthanMarch1ofeachyear. Subjectto thenoncustodialparent parents designated choice on or before March 1, thecustodialparentshalldesignateinwritinghisorherchoiceforannualvacationbyMarch15thofeachyear.ii.Thecustodialparentsannualvacationshallbescheduledaroundthenoncustodialparentsannualvacationandmayoverridenomorethanone(1)weekendandthree(3)weeknightregularlyscheduledvisitationperiodsofthenoncustodialparent.iii.AparentsfirstchoiceofannualvacationshallnotinterferewiththeotherparentsentitlementtothechildsbirthdayortheDiwaliHoliday.iv.Unlessspecificallyprohibitedbycourtorder,eitherparentmaytemporarilyremovethechildfromthejurisdictionofthecourtforpurposesofannualvisitationonlyiftheparenttravelingwiththechildprovidestheotherparentwithawrittengeneralitineraryandphonenumberswherethechildcanbecontactedduringthevacation.V.Annualvacationshallnotconflictwiththeschoolcalendar.

19.CHAPTER4

NONLOCALGUIDELINES(PARTIESNOTRESIDINGWITHIN25DRIVINGKILOMETERSOFEACHOTHER)

49.VISITATION(CHILDRENAGEDBETWEEN0TO36MONTHS)Visitationforchildrenunder36monthsoldshallbeestablishedbythecourtonacasebycasebasis.

50. ADDITIONAL VISITATION: The noncustodial parent shall beentitledtoexerciseotherreasonablevisitationinthelocalofthechildsprimaryresidenceuponreasonablenoticetothecustodialparent.

51.VISITATION(CHILDRENAGED36MONTHSANDOLDER)

52.WEEKENDS:Thenoncustodialparentshallbeentitledtoatleastoneweekendvisitationeveryweek.VisitationshallbegineitheronSaturdayand/orSundayat11.00a.m.andendat6.00p.m.Itshallbeopenforthepartiestoworkoutmorethanonevisitationperweekaspermutualagreement.

53.HOLIDAYS:Ifthepartiescelebratereligiousholidaysotherthanthosedefinedinsections41above,thosereligiousholidaysshallbemutuallyagreeduponinwriting,divided,andalternatedeachyear. Intheabsenceofanagreement,thecourtshallallocatethosereligiousholidaysbetweentheparties.

54.FIRTY%VACATION:Thenoncustodialparentshallbeentitledto50% of each vacation during the year the child has such asDiwali/Dussehra holidays, Christmas holiday, Winter and Summervacations.

NOTE: In case noncustodial parent is unable to avail vacationaccess during a particular year he/she shall be entitled to becompensatedbyfullvacationsharingduringthesubsequentyear.55.ANNUALSUMMERVACATION:Visitationshallbeasfollows:

A.CHILDRENINDIFFERENTAGEGROUPINGS:Iftherearetwo(2)orA.CHILDREN IN DIFFERENT GROUPINGS: If there are two (2) or morechildren whose ages span different age groupings entitling thechildren to different visitation periods with the Noncustodialparent,theyoungerchildrengetthebenefitoftheoldestchildsvisitationschedule.THISPROVISIONDOESNOTAPPLYTOCHILDRENUNDERAGEDBETWEEN0TO36.

PARENTSOFACHILDAGEDBETWEEN0TO36MONTHSMUSTFOLLOWTHEVISITATIONSCHEDULEFORTHATCHILDREGARDLESSOFWHETHERORNOTTHECHILDHASOLDERSIBLINGSONADIFFERENTSCHEDULE.

20.56.SCHEDULINGANNUALVACATION:ThenoncustodialparentshallhavefirstchoiceofannualvacationandshalldesignatesuchchoiceinwritingnolaterthanApril1ofeachyear. SubjecttothenoncustodialparentparentsdesignatedchoiceonorbeforeApril1,thecustodialparentmayplananannualvacationandshallnotifythenoncustodialparentofthosedatesbyApril15thofeachyear.i.Aparentsfirstchoiceofannualvacationshallnotinterferewiththeotherparentsentitlementtothechildsbirthday,unlesstheNoncustodialparentwillbedeniedthefullannualvisitationperiodifthecustodialparentexercisesvisitationonthechildsbirthday. Ifthechildsbirthdayfallswithintheanticipatedsummer school break, and if the parties are unable to reach aspecificagreementaboutanannualvacationschedule,thepartiesshall mediate the annual vacation scheduling issue before finalhearing,unlessmediationisexcusedbycourtorder.Ifthepartiesareunabletoresolvetheannualvacationscheduleissuethroughagreementormediation,thepartiesshallpresenttheissuetothecourtbeforeentryofafinalvisitationorder.

ii.Unlessspecificallyprohibitedbycourtorder,eitherparentmaytemporarilyremovethechildfromtheStateofHimachalPradeshforpurposesofannualvisitationonlyiftheparenttravelingwiththechildprovidestheotherparentwithawrittengeneralitineraryandphonenumberswherethechildcanbecontactedduringthevacation.

Annualvacationshallnotconflictwiththeschoolcalendar.CHAPTER5

JOINTCUSTODY

57. PRINCIPLE: The most fundamental principle underlying childrightsistheinherentrightofeverychildtobebroughtupinthesecurecomfortofafamilyenvironmentandtoenjoytheloveandaffectionofbothitsparents.ThesearerightsenshrinedintheU.N. Charterfor Child Rights,1989whichhasbeenadopted andratifiedbyIndia.

58.RESIDEALTERNATELY:Thatchildmayresidealternately,oneweekwiththecustodialparentandoneweekwithnoncustodialparentand that both custodial and noncustodial parent share jointresponsibility for decisions involving childs long term care,welfareanddevelopment.

CHAPTER621

59.PSYCHIATRICANDPSYCHOLOGICALEVALUATIONOFPARENTSANDTHECHILD.A.UnderSection12oftheFamilyCourtsAct,1984,theCourtisempoweredtosecuretheservicesofmedicalexperts;thescopeofSection12envisages:ForsettlingaproblemtheJudgeoftheFamily Court cannot merely take his own personal decision.Underthissection,hehastorelyandconsultanexpertaswhiledecidingthedisputebetweenhusbandandwife,thefateandfutureofinnocentchildren,ifthereareany,hastobekeptinmind.TheJudgethereforewillhavetoactasallinone. If either or both litigants are quarrelsome, thealtercationsdefinitelyleadtolitigationonvariousgroundsandtheirchildrenwillbetheworstsufferers.Insuchcasestheopinionofmedicalandwelfareexpertswillbeofmuchuse.B.TheCourteitheronanapplicationbyoneofthelitigantorthecourtsuomotowhileexercisingitsdiscretiontoconductapsychiatric/psychological evaluation of both the parentsincludingthechildinordertoensurethatcustodyisgiventotheemotionallyandmentallyfitparent,thusensuringwelfareofthechild.Procedureforsuchpsychologicalevaluationshallbeasperprocedureprescribed.

C.Failureinmarriagesissometimesduetolackofawarenessorrealizationamongthelitigantswhereoftenoneofthepartnersuffers from a personality disorder and/or adjustment disorderwhichcanbeeasilydiagnosedthroughpsychologicalevaluation.D. The child/children are psychologically evaluated (by playtherapy) to determine stress, depression level & also any badtutoringorpoisoningofmindtoalienatethechildfromotherparent.Ondiagnosisifconfirmedthechildisassistedthrough,interventionofpsychologicalcounseling.E.InfactSupremeCourthascomedownheavilyfornotusingtheservicesofmedicalexpertsbythelowercourtsasprovidedunderSection75eofCPC.(Ref:ShardaVersusDharampal(2003)4SCC493).

60.PSYCHOLOGICALEVALUATION:Thisscheduleprovidesforassistanceofmedicalandwelfareexpertstobesoughtandtakenbyeitheroftheparenteithersuomotobythe

22.Courtoronanapplicationbyeitherparty;tosecuretheservicesof the medical expert or such person including a personprofessionallyengagedinpromotingthewelfareofthefamilyasthecourtmaythinkfitforthepurposesofassistingtheFamilyCourt.I. PSYCHIATRIC AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF PARENTS AND THECHILD.Under Section 12 of the Family Court Act, 1984, the Court isempoweredtosecuretheservicesofmedicalexperts;however,thefamily court rarely uses the same. The scope of Section 12envisages:ForsettlingaproblemtheJudgeoftheFamilyCourtcannotmerelytakehisownpersonaldecision.UnderthisSection,hehastorelyandconsultanexpertaswhiledecidingthedisputebetween husband and wife, the fate and future of innocentchildren,ifthereareany,hastobekeptinmind. Thejudgetherefore will have to act as all in one. If either or bothlitigants are quarrelsome, the altercations definitely lead tolitigationonvariousgroundsandthechildrenwillbetheworstsufferers. In such cases the opinion of medical and welfareexpertswillbeofmuchuse.Should it not be mandatory for the family court either on anapplicationbyoneofthelitigantorthecourtsuomotowhileexercisingitsdiscretiontoconductapsychiatric/psychologicalevaluationofboththeparentsincludingthechildinordertoensurethatcustodyisgiventotheemotionallyandmentallyfitparent,thusensuringwelfareofthechild.InfactSupremeCourthascomedownheavilyfornotusingtheservicesofmedicalexpertsbythelowercourtsasprovidedunderSection75eofCPC.(Ref:ShardaVersusDharampal(2003)4SCC493))A common practice followed in US courts while deciding childcustodybyconductingpsychologicalevaluationtestssuchasMMPI,Rorschachinkblottestetc.,whichrevealsanylitigantsufferingfrom any mental/personality disorder, drug abuse, alcoholic,manipulative,tendencytospeaklies,tendencytoabuse/physicalattacktowardsspouseetc.However,ifintheeventboththeparties/litigantsarerefusingordonotfindnecessarytobeevaluated,thenthecourtshouldfollowthePrimarycaretakerprincipleandifeitheroneofthelitigant (childs father or mother) refuses then as per lawadverseinferenceshallbedrawn.Thechild/childrenarepsychologicallyevaluated(byplaytherapy)

todeterminestress,depression

23.level&alsoanybadtutoringorpoisoningofmindtoalienatethechildfromotherparent.On diagnosis if confirmed the child is assisted through,interventionofpsychologicalcounseling.Often Indian courts fail to differentiate between psychosis &mentaldisorders.Individualssufferingfrommentaldisordersareoften intelligent but with very poor emotional state, (highintelligent quotient but poor emotional quotient), who tend tosufferfromuncontrolledrage&temperament,violent,aggressive,manipulativeandoftenspeaklies. Thiscanbediagnosedonlythroughspecificpsychologicaltests.Hence,merelyinterviewinglitigants by the court will never give a clue whether theindividual is suffering from mental/personality disorder exceptpsychosis.InfactCourtsshouldresorttoreferringlitigantsfordiagnosisto such reputed and high caliber psychologists/psychiatristsidentified/appointedbytheSubordinateCourt/HighCourt.61.GENERALa.Theparentwithprimarycustody(parentwhoishavingcustodyofchildsincebirthandistakingcareofthedaytodayandhourtohourneedofthechild)shallbereferredtohereinasthecustodialparent,andtheotherparentshallbereferredtoastheNoncustodialparent.62.CHILDSWISHES:Oftenthecourtdecidesthechildscustodybasedonthewishesofthechildduringaninterviewwhichthecourtconductsonthechildoftenderagewhoisnothisownmasterandisnotcapableofforminganyintelligent,prudentorwellreasonedpreferenceofaparent.(inotherwordsifchildexpresseshe/sheisunwillingtogotoschool,willtheFamilycourthonourthewishes.).Thecourthastoensurethewelfareandthebestinterestofthechildsupbringingandnottobeinfluencedbythemerewishofthechildespeciallyinsomecaseswherethechildisheavilytutored or brainwashed or poisoned against the noncustodialparentwhiledecidingcustody.THEGENESISOFFALSEACCUSATIONAn awardwinning book published by the American PsychologicalAssociationshowsjusthoweasilychildrencanbemanipulatedtogivefalseaccountsthatbadthingshavehappenedtothem.Inonestudychildrenweresimplyaskedtorepeatedlythinkaboutwhether different events had ever happened to them, such asgetting their finger caught in a mousetrap and going to thehospitaltogetthetrapoff.Aftertensessions,

24.morethanhalfthechildrentoldfalsestoriesabout the fictitious events in their lives. In fact, theirstoriesweresoelaboratelyembellishedwithdetailsthatexpertscouldnotdetectwhicheventswererealandwhichwerenot.Evenmoreremarkable,aftertheresearcherstoldthechildrenthattheeventsneverreallyhappened,manyofthechildrencontinuedtoinsistthattheyrememberedthefictitiouseventsoccurring.Onefouryearoldboyhadalreadybeentoldbyhisparentsthatthewholemousetrapstorywasjustinhisimaginationandthatnothinglikethiseverhappened.YetwhenStosselaskedtheboyifheevergothisfingercaughtinamousetrap,withhisparentsbesidehim,thischildsaidherememberedtheeventandthengaveadetailedaccount.Stosselremindedhimthathisparentsalreadysaidthatitneverhappened,buttheboyprotested,Itreallydidhappen,Irememberit.Inanotherstudy,astrangernamedSamStonevisitedapreschoolclassroom.Heaidhello,walkedaroundtheroomfortwominutes,thensaidgoodbyandleft. Thatwasit. Hetouchednothing.During the next ten weeks, the children were interviewed fourtimes and asked to describe Sam Stones visit. One monthfollowing the fourth interview, another adult interviewed thechildren,thistimeaskingabouttwoeventswhichdidnotoccur.DidSamStonedoanythingtoabookorateddybear?TheinvestigatorslearnedthattheycouldproducefalsereportsofSamStonesbehaviourbothbybadmouthingSamStoneandbyaskingthechildrenleading,suggestivequestions.Thebadmouthingtooktheformoftellingstoriestothechildren,priortoSamStonesvisit,aboutSamStonesclumsiness.Forexample:Youll never guess who visited me last night [pause] thatsright.SamStone!Andguesswhathedidthistime?HeaskedtoborrowmyBarbieandwhenhewascarryingherdownthestairs,hetripped and fell and broke her arm. That Sam Stone is alwaysgettingintoaccidentsandbreakingthings.ThedayafterSameStonesvisit,thechildrenwereshownasoiledteddybearthathadnotevenbeenintheroomduringSamsvisit.Theywereaskediftheyknewhowtheteddybearhadbeensoiled.Anexampleofasuggestivequestionwasfollowing:RememberthattimeSamStonevisitedyourclassroomandspilledchocolateonthat white teddy bear? Did he do it on purpose or was it anaccident?

25.Bythetimeofthefinalinterview,anastounding

72percentoftheyoungestpreschoolersfalselyincriminatedSamStone.Likethechildreninthemousetrapstudy,theyembellishedtheirstorieswithfabricateddetails,suchasreportingthattheysawSamStoneonhiswaytothestoretobuychocolateicecream.And,onceagainthechildrenfooledtheexperts.Theinvestigatorsshowedvideotapedinterviewsofthechildrentospecialists who interview children for purposes of criminalinvestigationsandwhotreatchildrensuspectedofhavingabused.Theseexpertswereconfidentintheirjudgmentsaboutwhicheventsreallyoccurredandwhichweremadeup. Buttheexpertswerewrong.Infacttheverychildrentheyratedasmostaccuratewerethechildrenwhowereleastaccurate.SubstituteMommyorDaddyforSamStoneandyoubegintoseehowchildrencanbemanipulatedtogiveconvincing,yetfalse,negativereportsaboutaparent.Falsebeliefsaboutabusehurtchildrenbeyondthedamagedonebythealienation.Achildwhobelievesthatshehasbeensexuallyabusedbyarelativecandevelopproblemssimilartothoseofachild who has actually suffered abuse. The child comes todistrusthercaretakersinthesamewayshewouldifactuallyabused. Herviewofsexualityiscorruptedatanearlyageandthismayleadtoproblemsinsexualadjustmentasanadult.Herabilitytotrustincloserelationshipsisimpaired. Thismayinterferewithherrelationshipsthroughoutherlife.Thusachildcanbemanipulatedtocreatealienation.InterviewingChildrenwithParentalAlienationSyndrome:Childrensuffering with a parental alienation syndrome may present thejudgewithaconvincingpicture. Bythetimethechildreachesthejudge,heorshehasdevelopedawellrehearsedlitanyorcomplaintsagainstthepresumablyhatedparent.Thiscanbequiteconvincing, especially because the script has probably beenrehearsed many times over with the allegedly preferred parent.Also,bytheLimethechildreachesthejudge,heorshehasprobably presented the scenario to a variety of attorneys andmentalhealthprofessionals.Thishasgiventhemtheopportunitytopracticeandsharpentheirspeeches.Therehavebeenanumberofoccasionswhenjudgeshavebeencompletelytakeninandhavenotappreciatedthattheywerebeinghandedabillofgoods:These children have a way of snow balling even experiencedpsychologistsand

26.psychiatrists,soonecannotbetoocriticalofjudgeshere.Presentbelowareseriesofquestionsthatjudgesshould find useful when interviewing these children. It isimportanttoappreciatethatthequestionsprovidedhererelatetothemorecommonsituation,theoneinwhichthefatheristhehated parent and the mother the loved one, however when thesituationisreversed(themotherthehatedoneandthefatherthelovedone)Oneshouldobviouslyreversethequestions.Describeyourcustodialparent(mother/father)tome.Childrenwithparental alienation syndrome typically provide only positiveresponses. Ifanynegativesareprovided,theywillusuallybeminimal. If asked to elaborate upon the negatives, onlyinconsequential criticisms will be provided. Children who arenormalorsufferwithotherkindsofpsychiatricdisturbanceswillgenerallybeabletolistbothpositivesandnegativesabouteachparent.Thecompleteidealizationofaparentisacluetothepresenceofthisdisorder.Describe your Noncustodial parent (mother/father) to me. Thechild with parental alienation syndrome will enumerate variouscriticismsatgreatlength.Thesewillbebothpresentandpast.Oftenthepastindignitieswillbeaboutexperiencesthatotherchildrenwouldconsidernormalorwouldhaveforgottenlongago.Sometimesacomplaintwillbeaboutaneventwhichthechildhasnotactuallyobservedbutwhichthemotherhasdescribed. Thechildwillacceptasvalidthemothersrenditionandnotgiveanycredibilitytothefathersrefutation.Whenitispointedouttothechildthatfewifanypositiveshavebeendescribed,thechildwillclaimflatlythattherearenone.Inquiriesintopastgoodtimes between the child and the father will be denied asnonexistentorthechildwillclaimthattheseeventswerepainfulandthechildsprofessedenjoymentofthemstemmedfromthefearofpunishmentfornotdoingso.Itisthiscompleteonesidednessof the response, the total absence of normal ambivalence thatshouldalerttheinterviewertothefactthatoneisprobablydealingwithachildsufferingwithparentalalienationsyndrome.HowdoyoufeelaboutyourNoncustodialparents(father/mother)family? The child with a parental alienation syndrome willgenerally respond that all members of the fathers/mothersextendedfamily,eventhechildsowngrandparentsandpreviouslylovedaunts,unclesandcousins,aresomehowobnoxiousandvile.Whenaskedforspecificreasonswhythereisabsolutelyno

27.contactatallwithanyoftheseindividuals,no

compellingreasonsareprovided. Ofteninconsequentialreasonsaregiven.Attemptstoimpressuponthechildhowimportantitistohaverelationshipswiththeselovingrelativesisfutile.Thechild extends the noxious view of the father to the fathersextendedfamily. Thechildwilldescribenosenseoflossorloneliness over this self imposed removal from the fathersextendedfamily.Ifapotentialoractualstepmotherisinvolvedwiththefather,thishatredwillextendtoherandherextendedfamilyaswell.Does your custodial parent (mother/father) interfere with yourvisitingwithyourNoncustodialparent(mother/father)?Generallythe child will describe absolutely no interference on thecustodialparentspart. Oftenthechildwillproudlydescribetheneutralityandstatethatthedecisioniscompletelyhisorherown.Whenthendontyouwanttovisitwithyourfather/mother?Thechildmaygiveveryvaguereasons. Whenaskedtogivespecificreasons these children may describe horrible abuses in a veryconvincing way. In addition, they often provide grossexaggerationsofinconsequentialcomplaints.Theymakemountainsoutofmolehillsandwilldwellonfrivolousreasonsfornotvisiting. Oftentheywillclaimthattheywantabsolutelynocontactatallwiththefatherfortherestoftheirlives,oratleastnotbeforetheyareadults.Whenitispointedouttothesechildrenthatthevastmajorityofotherchildrenwouldnotcuttheirfathersoffentirely,forever,forsuchindignities:theyinsistthattheirtotalrejectionisjustified.Doesyourmotherharassorbotheryou?Healthychildrengenerallywillgivesomeexamplesofharassmentsuchasbeingmadetoturnoffthetelevision,dohomework,orgotobedearlierthantheywant.Childrenwithparentalalienationsyndromedescribenosuchharassments. Theyoftenwilldescribetheirmotherasbeingperfectandasneveraskingthemtodothingstheydontwant.Thisisobviouslyafabricationandisamanifestationofthewhitewashofthemother. Youusethewordharassment with these children because it is a common expressionutilized by mothers of parental alienation syndrome children. Thefathersoverturesforinvolvementwiththechildaregenerallyreferredtoasharassmentbythemother.Ifthechildisunfamiliarwiththewordharassment,itcanbesubstitutebybotheryoualot.

28.Doesyourfatherharassorbotheryou?Thesechildren are likely to describe in great detail the fathersharassments. Generally,theyinvolveattemptsonhisparttogaincontactwiththechildren. Letters,telephonecalls,andlegalattemptstogainvisitationareallclumpedunderthetermharassments.Althoughthefathersinitialoverturesmayhavebeenspacedreasonably,withmountingfrustrationoverrejectionandalienation,thefathersoverturesincreaseinfrequencyandintensity. Theloveandaffectionthatisatthefoundationoftheseoverturesisdeniedcompletelybyboththemotherandtheparental alienation syndrome child. Rather, they are viewedsimplyasonerousharassments. Theabovequestionsaregeneralones. The judge does well to ask more specific questionspertinenttotheparticularcase. Thesemightincludequestionsregardingwhythechildwantstochangehisorhernamebacktothemothersmaidenname,whythefathersPresentswerethrowninthe garbage (usually in the mothers presence), why the childwantstohavethefatherstillcontributetohisorhereducationeventhoughheorsheneverwantstoseethefatheragain,whatthebrothersandsistersreasonsarefornotwantingtoseethefather(thesetoooftenproveinconsequential)andsoforth.Judgeswhointerviewchildreninchambersmustbemadeawareofthefactthatthesechildrenmaybeveryconvincing.Theymaybetakeninbythelitanyofcomplaintsandgivesuchweighttothechildsstatementsthattheymaygoalongwiththechildsstatedpreference.Judgesmustbealertedtotheprimarymanifestationsofthisdisorder,especiallythecompletelackofambivalence,thedwellingonfrivolousandinconsequentialindignities,thetotalremovalfromtheextendedfamilyofthehatedparent,theabsolutedenialofanypositiveinputonthehatedparentspartatanytimeinthechildslife,andthedefinitestatementthatthechildwishesnevertoseethehatedparentagainthroughouttheremainder of his or her life. It is hoped that judges willincreasingly appreciate what is occurring when they see suchchildren and rectify the situation in accordance with theguidelines to be presented. Under the circumstances ofbrainwashing,tutoring,poisoning,toalienatethechildfromthenoncustodial parent, the Custody should be shifted from thecustodialparenttothenoncustodialparentwhowillensurethechildwithloveandaffectionofboththeparents.

29CHARTDETAILINGMINIMUMVISITATIONSCHEDULE

Sr.No.

Visitationschedule

Age Occasion

Day Time SectionChapter

1 INTERIMVISITATIONBetween 0 to

36months

A

WEEKENDS

SATURDAYANDSUNDAY

3(three)hours eachin thepresenceofthecustodialparent

1

WEEKDAY

MONDAY TOFRIDAY

1 Vx (90minutes)inthepresenceofthecustodialparent.Twotimes aweek

2

BETWEEN 36MonthsandAbove

WEEKENDS

OVERNIGHTACCESSSEVERYALTERNATEWEEKENDS

Friday6.00p.m. toSunday6.00p.m.

B4

ORWEEKENDS

OVERNIGHTACCESSEVERYWEEK

FRIDAY6.00P.M. TOSATURDAY6.00 P.M.ORSATURDAY6.00 P.M.TO SUNDAY6.00P.M.

4

WEEKDAY

TWOEVENINGS

TWOHOURS 5

HOLIDAYS

4 FOURHOURSCHILDWILL BEALLOWED TOBETAKENAT

6

THERESIDENCEOFTHENONCUSTODIALPARENTTHREEHOURS

2 Finalvisitation

Chapter2

Localguidelinespartiesresidingwithin200k.m.

Below36Months

Chapter3

WEEKENDS

SATURDAYANDSUNDAY

3 threehours inthepresenceofthecustodialparent

32

WEEKDAY

MONDAY TOFRIDAY

VA hour(ninetyminutes)twotimesaweekinthepresenceofthecustodialparent

33

HOLIDAYS

Threehours 34

Above36months

WEEKENDS

OVERNIGHTACCESSALTERNATEWEEKEND OREVERYWEEKEND

Friday6.00p.m. ToSunday6.00p.m. OreveryweekendFriday6.00p.m. ToSaturday6.00 p.m.OrSaturday6.00 p.m.To Sunday

40

6.00p.m.WEEKDAYS

TWOEVENINGSPERWEEK

Twohours 41

HOLIDAYS

4 fourhourschildwill beallowed

42

Tobetakenat theresidenceof the noncustodialparent

Sr.No

Visitationschedule

Age OCCASION

DAY Time Section/chapter

Above36months

FESTIVALWEEKENDOVERNIGHTACCESS

WEEKEND OvernightSaturday11a.m. toSunday7.00p.m. forfestivalswhich lastfor morethan sevendayswithoutlongholidayslikenavratri,ganpati,ramzaan,

43

VACATION

SUMMERDIWALI,CHRISTMASVACATIONS

50%ofeachvacation

44

Nonlocalguidelinespartiesresidingbeyond200k.m.

Above36months

ADDITIONALHOLIDAYS

The nonlocal,noncustodialparentshall beentitledtoexerciseotherreasonable

Chapter450

visitationin thelocal ofthechildsprimaryresidenceuponreasonablenotice tothecustodialparent

WEEKEND

EVERYWEEKEND

11.00 a.m.to 06.00p.m.Saturdayand/orSunday

52

WEEKDAYS

NIL

VACATION

SUMMER,DIWALICHRISTMAS

50%vacation

54

PARENTINGPLANPARENTINGPLANApprovedbyHon'bleHighCourtof

HimachalPradesh

PARENTINGPLANThenumbersofdivorcecasesarerising,moreandmorecoupleshavebeen approaching family court for divorce, resulting in rise ofbitterchildcustodyandaccessmatters. AseriousneedisthereforefeltfortheintroductionofaParentingPlanwhichwillhelpreducetheburdenofcourtstoagreatextent and will also help in speedy disposal of court cases.ParentingPlanshallalsobringoutaneasebetweenthecoupleswhoareundergoingseparation.Duringtheinitialstageitselfacopyofparentingplancanbeprovidedtothecouplesmakingthemawareandhelptheparentsmutuallydrawasuitableparentingplanagreeableandacceptabletoboththeparentsandwhichwouldcoveraspectsrelatedtothechildcustodyandaccessinthebestinterestandwelfareofthechild.Whenchildrenknowthattheirparentshavetalkedaboutwhat'sbestforthem,andknowthataplaniswrittendown,theyarelikelytofeelcaredforandsafer.Childrencanpredicttheshapeoftheirlivesandknowthatparentswillkeeptheadultissuesbetweenadults(theallegationsandargumentsbetweenthecoupleenteringtheparentingplanwouldbeatminimum),Childrenwillbeabletomanagethestressesandfearsoftheseparationmuchbetterandtheymaynotberequiredtovisitcourtforaccessorforhearingthatoften.Thecourtscandirectthecoupletodrawaparentingplan(justlikeconsentterns)withinaperiodofsixty(60)daysandalsopassappropriateordersbasedontheparentingplan.AParentingPlanorCustodyAgreementisrequiredbythecourtwhenparentsdivorceorseparate.AParentingPlanallowsparentstoavoidfutureconflictsindealingwithresponsibilitiesrelatingtothe children. Without specific agreements around theseresponsibilitiesdisputescanariseandlitigationmaybeneededtoresolvetheseissues. Divorceandseparationarepainfulforeveryoneinvolvedparticularly children. At this challenging time children needsupport,loveandcontactwithbothparents.Somecertaintyaboutthefutureisalsoveryimportantforeveryone.Awrittenparentingplan,workedoutbetweenparents,willhelpclarifythearrangementsneededbytheparentstoputinplacetocareforthechildren.Itwillhelpeveryoneinvolved

2.toknowwhatisexpectedofthemanditwillbeavaluablereferenceastimepassesandcircumstanceschange. Ifthestandardparentingplanbythecourtisagreedbypartiesbeforethecourthearing,itiscalledstipulated.Courtcanapprovethestipulatedparentingplanwithoutcourthearing. AstandardparentingplanbytheCourtputsthebestinterestsofthechildfirst.Itisdrawnupingoodwillwithasharedcommitmenttothechildrenandtheirfuturefirmlyinmind

(justlikeconsentterms). Indevelopednationsmostofthestates,thereisalawrequired that courtordered parenting plans must set forth theminimumamountofparentingtimeandaccessanoncustodialparentisentitledtohave. AparentingplanisawrittenagreementbetweenparentscoveringpracticalissuesofparentalresponsibilityapprovedbytheCourt. ParentingPlanwilldetailpracticaldecisionsaboutchildren'scareinsuchareasas: ParentingTime(physicalcustody) MajorDecisionMaking(legalcustody) Visitation/Access

TransportationandExchanges SchoolHolidays,VacationsandFestivals ChildSupport/Maintenance ADisputeResolutionProcess SchoolsAttendedandAccesstoRecords PhysicalandMentalHealthCare ContactInformation,Relocation ActivitiesandSchoolfunctions OvernightsandVisitation CommunicationsandMutualDecisionMaking Mediation MedicalInsurance ContactwithRelativesandSignificant

Others.Parentsnormallycanmakevariationstothecourtstandardparenting plan or develop a different custom plan if the judgeapprovesthechanges.Parentslatercanmodifytheexistingparentingplanbyfilinga new request with a court when circumstances have changed.Aparentingplancantakeanyform,howeveritmustbemadefreefromanythreatduressorcoercion.Itmustbeinwritingandsignedanddatedbybothparents.

3.Ifbothparentsagreeonarrangements,Parentscansubmitparentingplanjustlikeconsentterms)totheCourtandCourtcanpassanappropriateorderbasedontheparentingplan,givingitthesamelegaleffectasanordermadeafteraCourthearing.ParentingPlanapprovedbyCourtwouldbeoneformofconsentorderissuedbytheCourt.IfparentscannotagreeonarrangementsforchildrentheymayneedtohavetheCourtdecideandissueaParentingOrder.IndecidingparentingarrangementstheCourtmustalwaysconsider.Thebestinterestsofthechild+ The extent to which both parents have complied with theirobligationsinrelationtothechild,whichmayincludethosesetoutinastandardparentingplan(Asfollow).

StandardParentingPlanStateofHimachalPradesh

COURT PLACE

PERMANENTPARENTINGPLANORDERProposedAgreedOrderedbytheCourt.

DATE:

PETITIONNO:DIVISION

PETITIONER(Name,Middle,Last) RESPONDENT(Name:First,Middle,Last.

Address:

MotherFather.

Address:

MotherFather.Themotherandfatherwillbehavewitheachotherandeachchild

so as to provide a loving, stable, consistent and nurturingrelationshipwiththechildeventhoughtheyareseparated/divorced.Theywillnotspeakbadlyofeachotherorthemembersofthefamilyoftheotherparent.Theywillencourageeachchildtocontinuetolovetheotherparentandbecomfortableinbothfamilies.Thisplanisanewplan.ChildsName DateofBirth

ParentingPlanNote:Tickthatisapplicable/Strikeoutwhatmaynotbeapplicable.

I.RESIDENTIALPARENTINGSCHEDULEA. RESIDENTIALTIMEWITHEACHPARENTThePrimaryResidentialParent(Custodialparent)isundertheabovescheduleeachparentwillspendthefollowingnumberofdayswiththechildren:Mother______________daysFather_______________daysB. DAYTODAYSCHEDULEThemother/fathershallhaveresponsibilityforthecareandaccessofthechildorchildrenexceptatthefollowingtimeswhentheotherparentshallhaveresponsibilityandaccess:From_________________________to_______________________

Dayandtime Dayandtime

everyweek everyotherweek other:_____________________ (Advisabletwodaysweeklyaccess2hourseachduringtheweekatlocalsofthechild)Theotherparentshallalsohaveresponsibilityforthecareandaccessofthechildorchildrenattheadditionalparentingtimesspecifiedbelow:From___________________________to_____________________

Dayandtime Dayandtimeeveryweek everyotherweek other:_____________________ Thisparentingschedulebegins _________ordateoftheCourt's Order. Dayandtime(OvernightweekendaccessAdvisableeveryweekFriday6pmtoSaturday6pmorSaturday6pmtoSunday6pm)or(everyotherweekendFriday6pmtoSunday6pm).

C. HOLIDAYSCHEDULEANDOTHERSCHOOLFREEDAYSIndicateifchildorchildrenwillbewithparent

DuringFESTIVALSEVERYYEAR:MOTHER(tick)________TIMINGSFATHER(tick)________NewYear

GuruGovindSinghsBirthday

25thJanuary

26thJanRepublicDay

GuruRavidasJayanti

Holi

Dr.BheemraoAmbedkarJayanti

GoodFriday

15thApril,HimachalDay

RamNavami

BudhPurnima

IdulFitr

MothersDay

FathersDay

15thAugustIndependenceDay

RakshabandhanDay

Janmasthami

MahatmaGandhisBirthday

DussehraHolidays

IdusZuha(Bakrid)

Diwali

Moharram

Eid

GuruNanakBirthday

ChristmasDay

MothersBirthday

FathersBirthday

ChildsBirthday

Allotherlocalholidays

(AdvisabletoChooseany9daysduringtheyear)

OtherSchoolFreeDays_______________________________________________________________OthersignificantFamilyOccasions:__________________________________________________________________________________________________

(Chooseany3daysduringtheyear)Aweekendaccess/holidayshallbeginat6.00p.m.onthenight

precedingtheholidayandendat6.00p.m.thenightoftheholiday,unlessotherwisenotedabove.D. LongFestivalWeekendHolidays(ifapplicable SummerVacations Wintervacations Dussehra/Diwali/Christmasholidays.The day to day schedule shall apply except asfollow:_______________________________________________________________________________beginning___________E. Other agreement of theparents________________________________________F. CHRISTMASVACATION

The daytoday schedule shall apply except asfollows:________________beginning____________________G. SUMMERVACATION/WINTERVACATION.The daytoday schedule shall apply except asfollows:________________________________________________________________beginning_________________________Iswrittennoticerequired? Yes No.Ifso,____________number ofdays.Note: Theaccessdenied/deprivedbythecustodialparentshallbecompensatedwithindaysofreceivingthenotice/requestfromthenoncustodialparent.

H. TRANSPORTATIONARRANGEMENTS Theplaceofmeetingfortheexchangeofthechildorchildrenshallbe:________________________Paymentoflongdistancetransportationcosts(ifapplicable):mother father both equally. Other arrangements:__________________________________ A parent he or she must make reasonable transportationarrangementstoprotectthechildorchildrenwhileinthecareofthatparent.

ISUPERVISIONOFPARENTINGTIME(ifapplicable) CheckifapplicableSupervisedparentingtimeshallapplyduringthedaytodayscheduleasfollows:______________________________________________Place:_______________________________PersonororganizationSupervising:_______________________________________.

Responsibilityforcost,ifany: mother father bothequally. J.OTHER

Thefollowingspecialprovisionsapply:II.DECISIONMAKING

A. DAYTODAYDECISIONSEachparentshallmakedecisionsregardingthedaytodaycareofachildwhilethechildisresidingwiththatparent,includinganyemergencydecisionsaffectingthehealthorsafetyofachild.B. MAJORDECISIONSMajordecisionsregardingeachchildshallbemadeasfollows:

Educationaldecisions mother father jointNonemergencyhealthcare mother father jointReligiousupbringing mother father jointExtracurriculaactivities mother father joint__________________________NAMEOFTHECHILD&SURNAME: Thecustodialparentshallnotbe

entitledtochangethenameorthesurnameofthechildwhichhasbeengiventothechildaspereitheraceremonyperformedforthesameorthenamealongwiththefatherssurnameasitappearsinthebirthcertificatewithoutthecourtorderorwrittenconsentofthenoncustodialparent.

REMOVALOFCHILDFROMDAYCAREORSCHOOL:Thenoncustodialparentwillbeinformed60daysinadvance,incase,ifthechildisbeingremovedfromthedaycareorschool.

MEDICATION,ILLNESSORACCIDENT: Ifthechildbecomesillorisinvolvedinanaccident,andtreatmentbyamedicalprofessionalisobtained,theparentwhohasthechildatthetimeoftheillnessoraccidentshallnotifytheotherparentassoonaspracticablebutnolaterthanthreehoursaftertheincidentordiagnosis. ILLNESSOFTHECHILDSHALLNOTPREVENTVISITATIONWITHTHECHILD,UNLESSTHECHILDISHOSPITALIZED.NONCUSTODIALPARENTCANVISITTHECHILDINHOSPITAL.III.FINANCIALSUPPORT/MAINTENANCEA. CHILDSUPPORTFathersgrossmonthlyincomeisRs._________________MothersgrossmonthlyincomeisRs._________________1.Thefinalchildsupportorderisasfollows:mother fathershallpaytotheotherparentasregularchild supportthesumofRs.__________monthly.TheChildSupport/Maintenance/Worksheet/OrdershallbeattachedtothisOrderasanExhibit.2. Paymentsshallbeginonthe________dayof _________,20_____

Thissupport/maintenanceshallbepaid: Directlytotheotherparent. TotheCourt Bydirectdeposittotheotherparentat________________Bankfor

depositinaccountno.__________ Other:____________.Theparentsacknowledgethatcourtapprovalmustbeobtainedbeforechildsupportcanbereducedormodified.CHILDSUPPORT/MAINTENANCE:

NonpaymentorlatepaymentofchildsupportisNOTan

acceptablereasontodenyorinterferewithvisitation.Conversely,denialofvisitationisNOTjustificationfornonpaymentorlatepaymentofchildsupport.BothparentsagreethattheChildsupportandchildvisitationareseparateandindependentissuesandarenottobemanipulatedbyeitherparenttogainleverageovertheotherparentwithregardtovisitationorchildsupport. ChildsupportshallNOTstopduringvisitationperiods,unlessprovidedbycourtorder.B. HEALTHANDINSURANCEReasonablehealthinsuranceonthechildorchildrenwillbe:

maintainedbythemother maintainedbythefather maintainedbyboth

IV.PRIMARYRESIDENTIALPARENT(CUSTODIAN)FOROTHERLEGALPURPOSESThechildorchildrenarescheduledtoresidethemajorityofthetimewiththe mother father.Thisparentisdesignatedas theprimaryresidentialparentalsoknownasthecustodian, SOLELYforpurposesofanyotherapplicablestatelaws.IftheparentsarelistedinSectionIIasjointdecisionmakers,then,forpurposesofobtaininghealthorotherinsurance,theyshallbeconsideredtobejointcustodians.THIS DESIGNATION DOES NOT AFFECT EITHER PARENTS RIGHTS ORRESPONSIBILITIESUNDERTHISPARENTINGPLAN.

V. DISAGREEMENTSORMODIFICATIONOFPLANORNONCOMPLIANCE.

ShouldtheparentsdisagreeaboutthisParentingPlanorwishtomodifyit,orincaseofthenoncompliancetheymustmakeagoodfaith effort to resolve the issue by the process selected belowbeforereturningtoCourt.

MediationbyaneutralpartychosenbytheparentsortheCourt.TheCourtDUETOORDEROFPROTECTIONORRESTRICTIONS.

ItmustbecommencedbynotifyingtheotherparentandtheCourtbywrittenrequest registeredmail.other:__________________________Inthedisputeresolutionprocess:A. Preferenceshallbegiventocarryingoutthis ParentingPlan.B. Theparentsshallusetheprocesstoresolve disputes

relatingtoimplementationofthePlan.C. Awrittenrecordshallbepreparedofany agreement reached,anditshallbeprovided toeachparent.D. IftheCourtfindsthataparentwillfullyfailed to appearwithoutgoodreason,theCourt,upon motion, may pass appropriateorder. Noncomplianceoftheparentingplanmayamounttobreachoftrustandparentsarerequiredtoapproachcourtforappropriateaction.

VI.RIGHTSBothparentsrecognizechilds/childrensrightto: Emotionalandphysicalsafety,stabilityand security. Feellovedbybothofusandsignificantfamily members. Knowandbecaredforbybothparentsand significant familymembers. Developindependentandmeaningfulrelationshipswith eachparent.

RIGHTSOFPARENTSBothparentsareentitledtothefollowingrights:

1) The right to unimpeded telephone and webcamconversationswiththechildatleasttwiceaweekatreasonable

timesandforreasonabledurations;2) Therighttosendmail/giftstothechildwhichtheotherparentshallnotopenorcensor;3) Therighttoreceivenoticeandrelevantinformationassoonaspracticablebutwithinthree(3)hoursofanyeventofhospitalization,majorillnessordeathofthechild;4) Therighttoreceivedirectlyfromthechildsschoolanyschool records customarily made available to parents. (Theschoolmayrequireawrittenrequestwhichincludesacurrentmailing address and upon payment of reasonable costs ofduplicating.)Theseincludecopiesofthechildsreportcards,attendance records, names of teachers, class schedules, andstandardizedtestscores.5) Therighttoreceivecopiesofthechildsmedicalhealthorothertreatmentrecorddirectlyfromthephysicianorhealthcare provider who provided treatment or health care. (Thekeeper of the records may require a written request whichcontainsacurrentmailingaddressandthepaymentofreasonablecosts of duplication). No person who receives the mailingaddress of a parent as a result of this requirement shallprovidesuchaddresstotheotherparentorathirdperson.6) Therighttobefreeofunwarrantedderogatoryremarksmadeabouttheparentorhisorherfamilybytheotherparenttothechildorinthepresenceofthechild;7) Therighttobegivenatleastfortyeight(48)hoursnotice,wheneverpossible,ofallextracurricularactivities,and the opportunity to participate or observe them. Theseincludethefollowing:schoolactivities,athleticactivities,andotheractivitieswhereparentalparticipationorobservationwouldbeappropriate;8) Therighttoreceivefromtheotherparent,intheeventtheotherparentleavesthestatewiththeminorchildorchildrenformorethantwo(2)days,anitineraryincludingtelephonenumbersforuseintheeventofanemergency;9) Therighttoaccessandparticipationineducationonthesamebasisthatisprovidedtoallparents.Thisincludestherightofaccesstothechildforlunchandotheractivities.However participation or access must be reasonable and notinterfere with daytoday operations or with the childseducationalperformance.10) Righttosharethenamesandcontactdetailsofthefriendsofthechild.

VII.NOTICEREGARDINGPARENTALRELOCATIONIfaparentwhoisspendingintervalsoftimewithachild

desirestorelocateoutsidethestateorlocaljurisdictionfromtheotherparentwithinthestate,therelocatingparentshallsendanoticetotheotherparentattheotherparentslastknownaddressbyregisteredorcertifiedmail,thenoticeshallbemailednotlater

thansixty(60)dayspriortothemove.Thenoticeshallcontainthefollowing:Statementofintenttomove;Locationofproposednewresidence;Reasonsforproposedrelocation;andStatementthattheotherparentmayfileapetitioninoppositiontothemovewithinsixty(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.

TheparentsheretohaveexecutedthisParentingPlanthedayandyearfirstSignMother SignFatherLawyerforMother LawyerforFatherAddressofMother AddressofFatherPhone PhoneNote: Thejudgemaysignbelowor,instead,signaFinalDecreeoraseparateOrderincorporatingthisplanasExhibit___________________.Courtcosts,ifany,asfollows:COURTCOSTS(Ifapplicable)ItissoORDEREDthisthe_____________dayof___________.

Judge