Navigating Supervised Visitation Time

Child and child custody disputes are unique and can often result in changing the amount of time the parents and children spend together. In some cases, the court will give one parent the legal custody of the child. The non-custodial parent is usually allowed to have visitations with the child, but in some circumstances, the judge may only grant supervised visitation. This means the visitation must be supervised by an authorized party or state agency.

These family legal matters can be tricky to navigate, so it is important that you have an experienced attorney on your side. The team at Mattis Law, A.P.C., will help you fight for you and your child in a divorce proceeding or any child custody, visitation, or child support dispute.

How Does Supervised Visitation Work?

In a nutshell, supervised visitation is where a judge orders a neutral third party to be present at visitation with the non-custodial parent. Judges will order supervised visitation when they believe it is in the best interests and wellbeing of the children involved.

The court will dictate when, and for how long a supervised visitation takes place and may also state who is responsible for supervision, and where the visitations take place. While supervised visitation may place certain restrictions on how a child and their parent can spend their time together, it still allows children to foster relationships with their parents.

What Are Supervisors?

The visitation supervisor is important. A visitation supervisor may be a close relative, a friend, or a professional social worker. Usually, your San Diego family law attorney or Family Court Services office will provide you with the names of professional visitation supervisors near you.

It is vital that the custodial parent is comfortable with a professional visitation. If the court has not ordered the supervision of a professional visitation supervisor, or the custodial parent does not feel comfortable with the supervisor appointed, the custodial parent is free to find a different supervisor before visitation occurs.

There are some requirements to keep in mind when choosing a supervisor. The supervisor must:

• Comply with the education and training requirements set out in the California law
• Undergo fingerprinting and a criminal background check
• Have substantial experience supervising visitations
• Have a good reputation with the court and with peers and colleagues

It is the supervisor’s role to ensure that the children are protected and safe during their supervised visitation. They must be on the scene and present at every moment of a visit. They have the discretion to interrupt or bring the visit to the close where they deem it necessary.

Every Parent’s Right

Visitations are important, despite potentially being difficult and uncomfortable, because your children benefit from having both parents present in their lives where possible. Every parent has the right to do this, so it is essential to comply with court orders and endeavor to make this process as smooth as possible. Visitation is both a right and a responsibility. The court expects each parent to follow all rules and guidelines outlined in the agreement, and honor the right of each parent to visit their child.

How Can We Help?

We understand how stressful family problems can be. We want to help take away some of that stress by ensuring that your legal case proceeds smoothly. It is vital that you hire an attorney that can protect the future of you and your children. The team at Mattis Law, A.P.C., can do just that. Give us a call today at (858) 328-4400 to see how we can help you.