Contentious divorces can lead to even more contentious child custody battles. It’s not uncommon for one (or both) spouses to accuse the other of being an unfit parent – and potentially even unsafe for their child to be around.
Courts take these allegations seriously. However, they require evidence. It’s crucial to remember that any investigation the court orders is only to protect the well-being of your child.
Types of supervised visitation
A parent may be allowed to have only supervised visitation of their child until the investigation is complete. If the court determines that there are valid reasons to believe a parent could harm a child – even if unintentionally through neglect – they may order that visitations be supervised by someone else.
Depending on the situation, that person could be the other parent, a designated family member or friend or a neutral third party. The last scenario most commonly occurs in a supervised visitation center. Pennsylvania has a number of approved locations where parents and children can spend time together, with specially trained people monitoring their activities.
If this is where you find yourself, it’s understandable to be angry and resentful – especially if you think supervision is unwarranted. What’s important is to make the best of these visits for your child’s sake and not to give the court any more reason to believe that you can’t see your child alone.
Being the best possible parent during these visits
It’s important to show up on time for every scheduled visit and create a positive experience for your child. If these visits are in a location like a visitation center, it also means knowing and abiding by the rules and being polite and cooperative with those in charge (and others who may be there).
It’s also important to have activities planned that you and your child can do in the allotted time – and to be open to their ideas. Be prepared to do something other than you planned – or nothing at all. Your child may just want to talk or simply spend time with you. Don’t use the visits to try to make your case to your child or get information out of them about your co-parent.
Whether you’re waiting for a final determination about supervised visitation or you’re working to get a supervised visitation order modified, having sound legal guidance can help you make your case for the parenting rights you deserve.
