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In some cases, a court may find that it is in the best interest of the child for the non-custodial parent to only visit with the child when supervised. Although this is rare, as it is a significant restriction on a parent’s access to the child, supervised visit arrangements are put in place. Supervised visits are included in the parenting plan. They are also not to be confused with supervised exchanges. Supervised exchanges are court-ordered in order to help avoid high-conflict interactions between the parents when dropping off the child pursuant to custody arrangements. Here, we will talk more about when supervised visits can end up being ordered in child custody cases and how these visits work.
Supervised Visits in a Child Custody Case
The court’s goal is to act in the best interests of the child. Supervised visitation comes into play when the court believes the safety of the child is at risk when in the custody of the non-custodial parent. The court may find supervised visitation necessary to help ensure the safety of the child because the non-custodial parent has:
- A history of abusing the child or other parent
- An addiction or substance abuse problem
- A mental illness that could threaten the safety of the child
- A history of past child neglect
- A history of being absent from the life of the child for a substantial length of time
- A history of creating potentially dangerous situations that endanger the child
- Threatened or a threat to kidnapping or abducting the child
If supervised visitation is ordered, it is often granted only on a temporary basis. A parent may gain unsupervised access to the child should they demonstrate compliance with the court order during supervised visits, good behavior, and compliance with any requirements detailed in the custody order. Requirements detailed in the custody order may include something like the parent entering a drug rehabilitation program, among other things.
During supervised visitations, the child and the non-custodial parent will meet someplace like the home of the parent. Sometimes, the visit takes place at a designated visitation facility. A monitor is present in the room during the visit at all times. The monitor is the person who has been assigned to supervise these visits and it could be a relative, friend, social worker, or even the custodial parent. Whoever is to be selected as the designated monitor for these visits is to be agreed upon by both parents.
Florida Family Law Attorneys
Do you have questions about supervised visitation or child custody in general? Child custody arrangements go right to the heart of a family. At Bernal-Mora & Nickolaou, we are dedicated to zealously protecting and advocating for our clients. We are here to answer any and all questions you may have as you navigate the intricacies of the Florida family law court system. Do not hesitate to reach out to us. Contact us today.
