Legal Definitions - access order

An access order, also known as a visitation order, is a legal document that establishes the visiting times for a noncustodial parent or a person with a significant relationship to a child.

For example, an access order may allow a grandparent to visit their grandchild, or a stepparent to spend time with their stepchild. The order outlines the specific times and dates for these visits.

Access orders are typically used in family law cases where custody of a child is shared between two or more parties. The purpose of the order is to ensure that the child has regular contact with all parties involved in their life, while also maintaining a stable and consistent routine.