If there are concerns about the safety and welfare of a child when spending time with a parent, the court may order supervised visitation. In Massachusetts, the court tries to preserve the parent-child relationship while ensuring the child’s best interests are met. This is because the court believes a child benefits the most from having a regular and ongoing relationship with both parents. However, this is unless spending time with one parent negatively impacts the child’s overall well-being. When this is the case, the court may order supervised visits. Please continue reading to learn when supervised visitation is necessary and how a trusted Nassau County Child Custody Lawyer can help you protect your parenting time.
What is Supervised Visitation?
In Massachusetts, numerous custody arrangements allow parents to remain an influence in their children’s lives. When one parent believes the other parent presents a risk of harm to the child, they can request supervised visitation. This arrangement allows the parent who presents a risk of danger to spend time with their child, but only when monitored by a third-party observer. The third-party observer can be a trained professional, such as a social worker, or a family member, like a grandparent. The Massachusetts family court system may enforce supervised visitations in the following circumstances:
- There have been accusations of abuse.
- There have been accusations of neglect.
- A parent is struggling with an uncontrolled mental illness that poses a threat to the child.
- A parent is struggling with a substance abuse issue.
- A parent presents a flight risk (risk of kidnapping or abduction).
- A parent is engaged in parental alienation.
How Long Will Supervised Visitation Be Imposed in Massachusetts?
Every case is different, meaning that the duration of supervised visitation will vary depending on the circumstances of your case. In most cases, however, supervised visits are temporary. If the non-custodial parent can demonstrate to the court that they no longer present a risk to the child and have taken the necessary measures to improve themselves to be entrusted with the care of their children, the court may decree unsupervised visitation.
For example, if a parent has an uncontrolled mental illness and undergoes counseling, then they no longer present a potential risk of harm to the child, then the court may order unsupervised visitation. During supervised visitation, the third-party observer may take notes on the parent and child’s interactions, which can be used to determine if supervised visits should continue.
For more information about supervised visitation, please don’t hesitate to contact a seasoned Nassau County child custody lawyer from The Law Offices of Cynthia L. Hanley, P.C. We are prepared to help you safeguard your parental rights.
