The Montana Visitation Guidelines are established to provide a framework for visitation arrangements between parents and their children in cases of divorce, separation, or parental dispute. These guidelines aim to prioritize the child's best interests, promote healthy parent-child relationships, and ensure consistent visitation schedules. As per Montana law, there are two types of visitation guidelines — Standard Visitation Guidelines and Customized Visitation Guidelines. 1. Standard Visitation Guidelines: The Standard Visitation Guidelines offer a predefined visitation schedule that is commonly used when parents cannot agree on a customized plan. These guidelines establish a structured routine for visitation, considering factors such as weekdays, weekends, holidays, and school breaks. They outline the number of days each parent is entitled to spend with the child, as well as the specific times for pick-up and drop-off. 2. Customized Visitation Guidelines: Customized Visitation Guidelines provide more flexibility to the parents to devise a visitation schedule that suits their unique circumstances. They allow parents to create a personalized plan based on their work schedules, geographic distance, and the child's needs. Customization can include adjustments to the frequency, duration, and timing of visitation. This option encourages both parents' involvement while maintaining consistency and stability in the child's life. Additionally, the Montana Visitation Guidelines emphasize the importance of open communication and cooperation between parents. They encourage parents to engage in respectful and collaborative discussions regarding any modifications, exceptions, or unforeseen changes to the visitation schedule. Flexibility and willingness to accommodate each other's reasonable requests are highly encouraged to maintain a supportive environment for the child. It is crucial for parents to understand that the Montana Visitation Guidelines serve as a starting point for visitation arrangements. However, they do not eliminate the possibility of making modifications through a court-approved agreement or mediation process. The overarching goal of these guidelines is to ensure the child's well-being and foster a nurturing environment where their relationship with both parents can thrive.