An absent parent is also referred to as the "estranged parent." Absent is a much more appealing name, which is why it has been adopted over the past decade. Even though many non-custodial parents are not "absent" from a child’s life, it have become an easier way for divorce professionals and courts to distinguish between the two parents in a written and verbal context. The absent parent is not necessarily the noncustodial parent because when the non-custodial parent has parenting time (visitation) with the child, the custodial parent becomes the absent parent. In cases where joint or shared physical custody is in place, both parents share equally the "absent" or "estranged" parent description.

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1. What Children Worry About
   In a divorce or separation, the main concern of children is, "What’s going to happen to me?". It is very important to address these concerns as soon as possible.
   Contributed on 4/2/2007 by: DivorceDex.com Staff

   Category: Parenting   (Applicable in All States)

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