These three terms describe the same basic idea when a child is physically with a parent or another person but they are not interchangeable under Arizona law and the distinction matters.

Arizona statutes now use parenting time when referring to a legal parent’s scheduled time with a child. Visitation is reserved for non-parents such as grandparents or a person standing in loco parentis. The shift in language is intentional. Parenting time reflects the reality that both parents remain involved in a child’s life after divorce. It is not a privilege granted by one parent to the other. It is a legal right defined by the court order.

A detailed parenting time order does not leave anything to chance. It defines the regular weekly schedule, weekends, holidays, school breaks, summer, exchanges, transportation, travel, and any conditions required for safety. Vague orders create repeated disputes. Specific orders do not.

Parenting time is separate from legal decision making. A parent can have substantial time with a child while major decisions are allocated differently. Understanding the difference between these two concepts is one of the first things we cover with every client.