When a Parent Has Been Absent

When a parent, for whatever reason, has never been a part of the child’s life or has not had any contact with the child for an extended period of time either in person, by phone, or in writing, both parents should consider the possible problems the child may
have if lengthy or overnight visitation were to start right away. Instead, the visitation schedule should gradually re‐introduce parent and child, taking into consideration the child’s stage of development and the child’s ability transition well to visitation with the parent.