---
title: "What is the difference between visitation and parenting time in Rhode Island?"
description: "The terms visitation and parenting time are often used interchangeably in Rhode Island Family Court proceedings. Both refer to the scheduled time a non-custodial parent spends with their child. Some..."
url: https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-the-difference-between-visitation-and-parenting-time-in-rhode-island/
date: 2026-04-18
modified: 2026-04-18
author: "Bank and Munns"
type: avada_faq
lang: en
---

# What is the difference between visitation and parenting time in Rhode Island?

The terms visitation and parenting time are often used interchangeably in Rhode Island Family Court proceedings. Both refer to the scheduled time a non-custodial parent spends with their child. Some attorneys and courts prefer the term "parenting time" because it better reflects the active, involved role the non-custodial parent plays during those periods rather than simply visiting. For legal purposes in Rhode Island, the terms carry the same meaning.