I don't know about anyone else or how they handle child situations but with my first exh (we have a great D relationship) we each have first right of refusal. If something comes up then I call him first and ask if he can take the kids, if he cannot then its up to me to find alternate childcare. He does the same for me. I want to be asked first to take the kids. Why would you (or they) want to be with someone else besides a parent if it was at all possible?
I would prefer first right of refusal as I love being with my kids. W doesn't always give me that option. Half the time it goes to her mom or a baby sitter. I'm not sure why the baby sitter gets priority over me sometimes.
Kevin
Me 36, W 37 M: 08/02/97 D13, D9 1st Bomb 02/08 Reconciled 04/08 2nd Bomb: 09/08 W filed for D 02/04/09 Separated 03/09 D dismissed 06/09/09 Still separated...