When it comes to custody and visitation matters, the state of California always seeks to act in the best interests of the children, especially when it comes to protecting their safety. If there are concerns about a child’s safety, a judge may rule that a child only has contact with a parent when a neutral third person is present during the visitation. These court-ordered third-person visitation arrangements are commonly referred to as “supervised visitations.”

The supervised visitation order issued by the court specifies the time and duration of the visits. In some instances, this order will also specify who will provide the supervised visitation services and where the visits will take place.

Reasons A Judge May Order Supervised Visitation

There are many reasons why a judge may order supervised visitation, such as:

• A history or allegations of domestic violence, child abuse, neglect, or substance abuse;
• The visiting parent needs a chance to address specific issues;
• To reintroduce a parent and child after a long absence;
• To help bring a parent and child together when there has been no existing relationship between them;
• Parenting concerns or mental illness; or
• There is a parental threat of abduction.

What is a Supervised Visitation Provider?

The person supervising the visits is called the supervised visitation provider. Supervised visitation providers must meet minimum qualifications before providing services. All supervised visitation providers are required to follow the uniform standards of practice for providers of supervised visitation as outlined in standard 5.20 of the California Standards of Judicial Administration and Family Code section 3200.

There are two types of providers: nonprofessional providers, and professional providers. A nonprofessional provider may be a friend, family member, or someone who is not paid for supervising a visit. A professional provider is someone who charges a fee for supervising a visit.

Supervised Visitation Tips for the Visiting Parent

As the visiting parent, it may take time to get used to supervised visits. However, it is important to focus on your relationship with your children; patience and commitment are needed during this time. Here are some tips that might be helpful in your situation:

• Read the court order.
• Avoid discussing your court case with your children.
• Don’t ask your children about the other parent’s activities.
• Don’t use your children to deliver messages to the other parent.
• Arrive and depart on time.
• Share brief but positive good-byes with your children when the visit is over.

Supervised Visitation Tips for the Custodial Parent

Supervised visitation can also be a challenge for the custodial parent as well. It’s understandable that you have concerns and questions about the visits and how they will affect your children. Here are some ways you can make the process run smoother:

• Read the court order.
• Make sure your children know when and where the visit will take place.
• Make sure your children have everything they will need during the visit.
• Reassure your children that you’re okay with the visit, and urge them to have a pleasant visit.
• Arrive on time to drop off and pick up your children.
• Don’t ask your children about the other parent’s activities.
• Don’t use your children to deliver messages to the other parent.

Call Now for a Free Consultation With an Upland CA Family Law Lawyer

If you reside in the Upland, CA area and feel that a court’s supervised visitation order is unfair, it may be possible to have the visitation order modified. Torrence L. Howell is an Upland, CA family law lawyer who has been representing clients in custody and visitation disputes for more than 20 years. He has helped many concerned and caring parents who have issues with court-ordered custody and visitation orders.

You have rights during the divorce process. Torrence L. Howell is here to protect those rights. Contact the law offices of Upland, CA family lawyer Torrence L. Howell through our website, or call us at (909) 920-0908 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case.