Step-up parenting plans are extremely common. These child custody schedules slowly increase the length of time that a child spends with a noncustodial or estranged parent. Because these plans allow children to become more familiar with their parent in a safe, stable and consistent manner, they’re an ideal solution for many families.
Step-up parenting plans allow an increase in visitation as the child gets older and more familiar with living in two separate homes. Judges often use these child custody schedules with young children, especially infants, and when one parent must meet specific guidelines before getting more visitation. The courts also use them when unmarried parents split up and the child has spent most of his or her time with only one parent.
Although the policy of the law in California is to allow the children frequent and continuing contact with both parents, the law first considers the children’s safety and stability when increasing custody and visitation.