It’s Just Not Safe: When Can The Court Limit Or Deny Parenting Time?

Minnesota law creates a presumption that each parent will have at least 25% parenting time with their children. If it orders parenting time below this percentage, the Court must make specific findings as to why the limitation would be in the best interests of the children.

The court can limit parenting time to less than 25% if it determines that more time with a parent is likely to harm the children’s physical or emotional health. The court can also limit parenting time if one parent denies the other parent’s court-ordered parenting time without a good reason.

The court may restrain parenting time in a number of ways:

• It may restrict the days or hours of parenting time or prohibit overnights;

• It may limit parenting time to certain settings, such as public places;

• It may require that all parenting time be supervised, either informally or at a supervised visitation center;

• It may deny parenting time completely;

In addition, the court can place a variety of conditions on parenting time, such as requiring that a parent abstain from drugs and alcohol or and remain sober for a certain period before and during parenting time. The court can also order that a parent submit to drug or alcohol testing or participate in treatment as a prerequisite for parenting time.

To discuss parenting-time questions, or any family law matter, call Kruse Family Law PLLC at 612.231.9865, or email corwin@krusefamilylaw.com.