Sometimes a judge will give a parent visitation rights, but they come with a catch. These visits need to be supervised, usually by a trained person who is accustomed to watching over supervised parenting time. If you have supervised visitation, you may have questions about your custody arrangement or how to change it. Our parenting time and visitation attorneys in Bergen County, NJ may be able to help you with that.
What Are the Reasons For Ordering Supervised Parenting Time?
When the judge orders supervised parenting time, they are convinced that they are acting in the best interest of the child. If there is an expectation that spending time alone with a parent could put the child in harm’s way, then supervised visitation is more likely to be put forward as a solution. This kind of arrangement is especially common when the noncustodial parent:
- Suffers from a substance abuse problem
- Has harmed their child or spouse in the past
- Is seen as neglectful
Who Supervises This Visitation?
As we mentioned, a volunteer with training is often the person chosen to monitor a supervised parenting section. However, this is not the only option. Sometimes parents can agree on a family member or friend who can be trusted to keep an eye on everyone.
Where Do Supervised Parenting Appointments Take Place?
Supervised parenting visits often take place in a visitation center chosen by the judge. This can serve as a neutral zone where everyone can be comfortable.
Sometimes a parent’s home can be chosen as the place of visitation. If the reason for supervised parenting has nothing to do with the safety of their home, this is a possibility.
What Are the Potential Drawbacks of Supervised Parenting?
It is believed that supervised parenting can sometimes get in the way of a bond forming between a parent and their children. Kids are better than you think at figuring things out. If they realize that they can only see one parent in this specific kind of situation with a chaperone, they may realize that something is odd. It could cause them to act differently when they are spending time with this parent, and that could hurt the relationship between them.
Can This Arrangement Be Changed Later?
Yes, you can eventually argue that the supervised parenting visits are ended. Sometimes a parent was under investigation for something or accused of a crime. If they are cleared of wrongdoing, they can often ask the court about regular visitation without the need for a chaperone.
A custodial parent can also ask for a change if the noncustodial parent does not bother showing up for their supervised parenting time or taking it seriously. It can be seen as less harmful for the child to simply terminate these visits so that the child is not continually disappointed and harmed by their parent’s actions.
Contact Our Family Law Firm
If you have any questions about child custody or visitation, contact Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark. We can set up a consultation for you. If you want to know more about how you can change your current arrangement or fight for more time with your child, our experienced legal team may be able to help you.
