Allocation of Parental Responsibilities (APR)

The APR splits parental rights and responsibilities into two distinct areas:

Parenting Time — This refers to the physical schedule that determines when the child is with each parent. Courts establish parenting time arrangements based on the best interests of the child, taking into account factors such as each parent’s relationship with the child, work schedules, the child’s school and community ties, and each parent’s ability to support the child’s relationship with the other parent.

Decision-Making Responsibilities — This refers to each parent’s authority to make major decisions about the child’s life, including education, healthcare, religious upbringing, and extracurricular activities. Decision-making can be awarded jointly (both parents share authority) or solely (one parent holds primary authority), depending on the circumstances.