What is Supervised Visitation in Child Custody Cases?
While you may hear of one parent being granted supervised visitation, you may not understand what that entails. In Pennsylvania, supervised visitation involves the noncustodial parent being allowed to visit the child only while supervised by a neutral party. Typically granted when the court believes the child’s safety is at risk if the parent is left alone with the child, supervised visitation may be granted in select circumstances.
If you have any questions about supervised custody or are interested in seeking a modification to your current visitation rights, Purdy Law Office, LLC, is here to help. Moving from supervised visitation to an unsupervised visitation order can be complex and time-consuming, requiring that you speak with our Harrisburg, PA, child custody attorneys.
Supervised Visitation: What You Need to Know
Supervised visitation is often granted when the court decides that it is in a child’s best interest to retain a relationship with the noncustodial parent, but in a supervised setting. Common reasons for supervised visitation include a history of abuse, neglect, substance use, or mental illness. In most cases, the custodial parent or family case worker will be designated as the supervisor during scheduled visitation times.
In some cases, visitation may take place at supervised visitation centers, parks, or other community settings. Many times, the visitation may occur in the child’s home, allowing the child to remain in a familiar environment. In some circumstances, visits may be semi-supervised, depending on the court’s safety concerns for the child. Visits occur at least bi-weekly, with some visitation arrangements occurring once or even several times per week.
How is a Visitation Schedule Determined?
In most cases, both parties may agree upon a visitation schedule. However, in situations in which a parent is deemed to place a child at risk, supervised visitation will be ordered by the court. Under supervised visitation, both parents will be given a formal visitation plan which designates when the visits occur, how long each visit can be, who is permitted to visit, and where the visits will take place.
Can I Modify a Supervised Visitation Order?
Moving from supervised visitation to unsupervised visitation requires that you seek a modification to an existing custody order. In order to be granted a modification, you must demonstrate that there has been a material change in circumstances. A change in circumstances is present if you can show that there has been a significant alteration to your situation, warranting that the visitation order be reviewed by the court. Common examples of a change in circumstances may include completing a rehabilitation program, negative drug tests, or having a consistent employment record.
If you can demonstrate compliance with your existing order, you are more likely to get the court to consider a modification. However, getting a modification from supervised to unsupervised visitation can be challenging, making it necessary that you retain the services of a Harrisburg, PA, child custody attorney. A child custody lawyer will know what information to present and how to formulate effective arguments to obtain a positive result.
Speak with Our Harrisburg, PA, Child Custody Lawyers Today
Whether you are seeking a modification of an existing order or are worried that your child may be at risk of being alone with your ex, our legal team is here to address your concerns.
We understand the importance of advocating for your child, even when the last thing you want is conflict. At Purdy Law Office, LLC, our Harrisburg, PA, child custody attorneys have helped countless parents seek the custody and visitation orders necessary to tend to their child’s needs. To learn more about our services, contact us online or give us a call at (717) 674-2885 today.