Our Guide to Supervised Parenting Time and Why It’s Necessary in Some Cases

Father and son playing in living room together with toys during supervised parenting time

Going through a divorce can take a toll on your relationship with your child, but it’s especially taxing for parents who require supervised parenting time. If you’re one of the cases that require supervised visitation, it’s understandable to feel frustrated with the situation, but it’s a necessary step to protect the child’s best interests.

What are the Reasons for this Supervised Parenting Time?

There are many cases wherein the child will need strict supervision, particularly for the following reasons:

  • Supervised access is necessary if there is a history of long-term harassment;
  • Supervised access is necessary if the custodial parent and/or child’s safety is at risk due to a history of violence or abuse;
  • Supervised access is necessary when the noncustodial parent has no relationship or attachment to the child;
  • Supervised access becomes necessary if the previous visits involved neglect or abuse;

The list above are just a few examples, but there unique situations that may change the visitation terms. Whatever the reason, the overarching goal is to ensure the child is emotionally, physically, and mentally safe during these visits.

If there is ever an off-chance wherein a parent fails to meet the child’s best interests, then the court can warrant a supervisor to accompany the parent throughout their future visitation.

What are the Responsibilities of the Supervisor?

  • Ensure the child’s safety;
  • Monitor the child’s health;
  • Monitor the child’s emotional well-being;
  • Report any form of abuse;
  • Speak to the child or the supervising parent in their preferred language;
  • Provide unbiased reports to the court;
  • Meet court orders;

All these duties ensure the parents of the child conduct proper behaviour, though the court understands that this can promote a forced or artificial environment for the parents.

Nonetheless, it’s a necessary step to ensure the child’s safety in every possible way, that’s why supervisors bear the responsibility of delivering unbiased reports so the court can properly analyze the involved party’s interactions.

If parents find the supervised visits too uncomfortable, other family members or friends can volunteer as a nonprofessional provider. The only drawback to this is there is a tendency to take sides, so be sure to choose someone who can stay neutral as much as possible.

How Long Does the Supervised Access Last?

Transitioning from supervised to unsupervised access only happens on rare occasions, but it’s possible to change the terms so long as the supervised parent proves there’s a positive change in their behaviour, parenting capabilities, and more.

The Bottom Line: Determining Visitation Terms for Divorced Parents

Many parents strive to achieve “reasonable visitation,” since it offers plenty of leeways to establish quality time and connection with their children. However, there will be instances when the court demands supervised visitation, all of which are made for the benefit of the child.

How Can We Help You?

If you’re looking for a divorce or child custody lawyer to help you with your cases, consult with Dreyer and Associates Family Lawyers LLP.

Our firm is committed to preserving the best interests of families. With an array of experience across family law, wills and estates, and residential conveyancing, we make our clients’ lives much easier as we guide them through the whole legal process.

Call us at 604-539-2103 and learn more about how we can help you today!

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