Q: Trying to increase visitation. What kind of living arrangements do you have to provide for your non-custodial child?
My stepdaughter is turning 13 soon. I have 2 younger children with my husband, and we are hoping to get more parenting time with her for their sake. Her mom recently had a baby. It has been difficult dealing with the mom & getting the time we're allowed to have with her. Recently, the mom made a comment that legally we should have separate living arrangements (i.e. her own bedroom) when she was responding to our complaints about this, however, we have always thought she didn't have to have her own bed or bedroom. We have a place for her to sleep, and recently got a new bed for her, but I would like to know when it is legally required for a non-custodial child to have their own bedroom, and what is required. We are hoping to get at least 25% parenting time, if not more. Right now, we have her every other weekend, and one weeknight (a couple hours) on the off week. We don't push for the extra day, because the mom won't agree to a different night but we are thinking about it.
A:
Firstly, I have to ask why you only want 25% parenting time. Frankly, the amount of parenting time you are asking for makes me assume you are unrepresented as asking for 25% would, in most cases, not be very tactful. Although I do not know the particular circumstances of your case, this is my first observation. You should likely retain an attorney to help you address the living arrangement and parenting time issue in an intelligent manner.
Now, to answer your question. No, there is no law that states a child should have their own room. However, a judge may consider it to be an unfavorable arrangement and a poor reflection on the child's environment.
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