Karnataka High Court mandates 'parenting time' terminology in all custody cases

In a significant move to reshape judicial language around parental rights, the Karnataka High Court has issued directives requiring the use of 'parenting time' instead of 'visitation' across all child custody cases within its jurisdiction.

The court's decision reflects a fundamental shift in how the judiciary conceptualizes the relationship between non-custodial parents and their children. By adopting the term 'parenting time,' the court acknowledges that neither parent should be viewed as a mere visitor in a child's life, but rather as an integral figure with substantive parental responsibilities and rights.

The terminology change carries implications for how custody arrangements are perceived and documented in legal proceedings. The shift from 'visitation' to 'parenting time' aims to elevate the status and importance of the parent-child relationship beyond scheduled access, potentially influencing how courts approach custody disputes and parental involvement in children's upbringing.

This directive aligns with evolving family law jurisprudence across jurisdictions, where courts increasingly recognize that both parents play meaningful roles in their children's lives despite separation or divorce. The Karnataka High Court's move is expected to influence child custody practices throughout the state and may serve as a reference point for other Indian courts grappling with similar terminology issues.