Have you or your ex been ordered by the court to have supervised visitation? If so, you likely have many questions regarding supervised visitation. Thankfully, Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell, LLP have you covered with the answers!
What is supervised visitation?
Supervised visitation is when a child can only have contact with a parent when a neutral third party is present and overseeing the visitation. This occurs when it is in the best interest of the child for their safety.
Why would a judge order supervised visitation?
There are several reasons why a judge might order supervised visitation. Some of these reasons include:
- If a parent needs time to address certain issues
- To reintroduce a child to their parent after a long absence
- If there are parenting concerns regarding mental illness
- If there is a parental threat of abduction
- To help introduce the child to a parent when there has been no prior existing relationship between them
- If there is a history of allegations of child abuse, child neglect, domestic violence, or substance abuse
Whenever supervised visitation is ordered, it is because the judge believes it is in the best interest of the child. Therefore, the list above is by no means exhaustive and there are other scenarios where supervised visitation may be ordered.
Who provides supervised visitation services?
During supervised visitation, a neutral third party must be present. There are two types of providers, nonprofessional and professional supervised visitation providers. A nonprofessional provider is typically a family member or friend that is not paid. A professional provider is someone that charges a fee for the service. The court order will typically specify which type of provider you need to have for any supervised visits.
What should I know about supervised visitation?
If you have a supervised visitation order, there are some things that you should know. It is important to read and fully understand the court order. You should also always arrive and depart on time and avoid pestering your child about the other parent’s activities. Also, avoid making your child a messenger to the other parent. Whenever possible, also try to maintain a positive attitude regarding the visits, especially in front of your child(ren).
Contact Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell, LLP today for help with your child custody case!
Supervised visitation is sometimes granted by the court when child safety is a concern. If you are wondering how the supervised visitation process works or want help asking the court for supervised visitation, the experienced attorneys at Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell, LLP can help. Give us a call today at 909-482-1422 to schedule an initial consultation.
To learn more about the reliable and quality family law services that we offer, visit us on the web at Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell, LLP.
