Karnataka High Court orders using ‘parenting time’ instead of ‘visitation’ in all child custody cases

The HIgh Court of Karnataka has observed that no parent should be treated as a mere ‘visitor’ in a child’s life.

In a significant move aimed at reforming the language used in cases involving custody of a child between couples in conflict, the High Court of Karnataka has directed all family courts and courts dealing with guardians and wards (G&WC) cases henceforth to use the term “parenting time” instead of “visitation,” observing that no parent should be treated as a mere “visitor” in a child’s life.

Justice Lalitha Kanneganti, who was hearing a child custody case, issued the direction while pointing out that it is time for a small change in the language employed in judicial proceedings.