Have you been ordered to participate in supervised visitation? If so, you’ve probably realized that the process can be rough on everyone involved. Here, a Marin County custody attorney provides the answers to some common questions about supervised visitation.

What is supervised visitation?

Supervised visitation is a visitation arrangement ordered by a judge. The visiting parent is only allowed to have contact with the child when a neutral third person is present. A judge may order supervised visitation for many reasons, but it is usually ordered to protect the child’s safety.

Why would supervised visitation be ordered?

A judge may order supervised visitation for many reasons, including:

  • To allow the parent and child a chance to reconnect after a parent’s prolonged absence from the child’s life
  • To introduce a parent and child who have had no previous relationship
  • When there are concerns about child abuse, child neglect, or sexual abuse
  • If there are concerns that the visiting parent may adversely affect the child’s emotional health
  • If there are concerns about the visiting parent’s mental state
  • If there are concerns about the visiting parent’s drug use or alcoholism
  • If there are concerns that the visiting parent might attempt to abduct the child and flee

How does supervised visitation work?

When a judge orders supervised visitation, the child custody order will state the time and duration of the visits. The order may also specify who will provide the supervised visitation services and where the visits will take place.

Who can you call for help with your California custody concerns?

Supervised visitation can be difficult and uncomfortable for everyone involved, including the children, the visiting parent, and the custodial parent. If you would like to discuss your California child custody concerns with a Marin County family lawyer who exclusively represents women, contact the Law Offices of Paul H. Nathan at 415-341-1144 or by filling out our online contact form.

Paul Nathan
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Marin County California Divorce, Child Support and Custody Lawyer Representing Women Exclusively