simply means that a non-custodial parent can only visit with their child in the presence of another adult. Primarily, the arrangement is used to keep the child safe while supporting the child/parent relationship. When deemed necessary, the court will work supervised visitation into the parenting plan. In addition, both parents may also be required to formulate a visitation schedule to make the supervised visits actually happen. The court takes any contact between parent to child very seriously. But how does supervised visitation work? And in what circumstances will the court order it? To learn more, talk to a
Fresno child visitation lawyer at the
Law Offices of Rick D. Banks today.
When Is Supervised Visitation Necessary?
Under the following conditions, the court may order supervised visitation if a parent:
- Has a history of sexual, emotional, or physical abuse against a child
- Has a history of sexual, emotional, or physical abuse against the other parent
- Suffers from a substance abuse issue
- Suffers from an uncontrollable mental illness that could potentially harm the child
- Has ever neglected their child
- Has been mostly absent from their child's life but now wants to begin a relationship
- Continuously puts the family into potentially dangerous situations
Typically, if a non-custodial parent adheres to specific requirements, supervised visitation can potentially lead to unsupervised visitation. This means that orders of supervised visitation are often only temporary arrangements. For instance, if a non-custodial parent suffering from substance abuse issues continuously passes drug tests for at least six months and undergoes counseling services, they may eventually be able to obtain unsupervised visitation.
How Does Supervised Visitation Work?
Once the court determines that supervised visitation is necessary, it will specify exactly how the visits will play out. For example, the court might order that supervised visits must happen in designated facilities. In addition, a monitor may be present at all times in the same room during the entire length of the visit. Another possible scenario may be that the court orders a social worker, or similar person, to attend the visitation at the non-custodial parent's home. The designated monitor will pick up the child from the custodial parent, attend the entirety of the visitation, and then drop the child back off at the custodial parent's home. Alternatively, in certain situations, the court may allow a relative, friend or acquaintance to attend the visitations as designated monitor. However, that person must be willing, and both parents must agree on the chosen person. If you feel this is your best option, it's important to consider a person who you both agree is trustworthy and reliable.
Get Help With Supervised Visitation in California
Supervised visitation can play out in a number of different ways. To learn more about what to expect and how it works, speak to an experienced child custody attorney in Fresno. Contact the
Law Offices of Rick D. Banks today.
