All About Supervised Visitations
Our children mean everything to us and we would do anything to protect them. The court views children much the same and takes custody and visitation hearings seriously, always keeping a child’s best interest in mind.
While the standard for visitation to become supervised is high, a judge will grant supervised visitation if they decide it’s best for the child. Every case is different, but if a judge determines that unsupervised contact would endanger the child’s physical health or impair their emotional development, the Judge may grant supervised visitations.
If you’re currently dealing with supervised visitations, whether you’re the parent with sole physical custody or the parent who has the supervised visits, continue reading to learn all about supervised visitations and what to expect as you adjust.
There are Different Types of Supervised Visitations
When you hear the words supervised and visitation, what do you picture? A parent and their child in a small room being closely monitored by another adult who is taking notes and won’t take their gaze off of them? That’s how most people picture supervised visitation, but this isn’t always the case.
Supervised visits can occur either in person with just the parent, child, and another adult monitoring it, in a group setting, or virtually, either by a video call or phone conversation. Regardless of the type of supervised visitation, someone will monitor the exchange between parent and child for the duration of the visit.
In some cases, the court will order a social worker or a similar professional to monitor supervised visits. This individual will accompany the child from start to finish. Supervised visits may also be monitored by a family member or friend if the court approves.
Supervised Visitation isn’t Permanent
Supervised visitation can take its toll on everyone involved, especially the child. It can be difficult for the child to have a timed visit with their parent while someone watches the entire visit. Likewise, it can be discouraging for the noncustodial parent to be monitored during their visits.
The good news is that supervised visitation isn’t always permanent. Supervised visitation can last for weeks or months, depending on how long a judge ordered it. Whoever monitors the supervised visits can take notes that can be taken into consideration by the court. If the court sees improvement and feels the child is benefiting from the visits, the judge may grant more supervised and longer visits or may lift the requirement of supervision depending on the individual and their unique circumstances.
You Must Be Fully Aware of the Supervised Visits
Supervised visits are a court order, meaning a judge ordered the noncustodial parent to have these visits with the child. To follow the court order, you must arrive for the supervised visits on time at the correct location. In addition, you must attend each visit or reschedule immediately if your schedule has a conflict. If the noncustodial parent doesn’t follow the terms outlined in the parenting plan, they could be in contempt of court. Likewise, if the parent who has custody fails to comply with the parenting plan regarding visitation, they may also be in contempt of court.
Every Rule Must be Followed
The court always considers the well-being of a child when approving or creating parenting plans that include visitation schedules. Failure to show up for visitation or withholding your child from seeing the noncustodial parent are violations of a court order. According to Missouri law, any “willful disobedience of any process or order lawfully issued or made by it” is punishable by the courts. Contempt of court may involve paying fines or even imprisonment. The same stands for Kansas law: “if any person neglects or refuses to perform an order or judgment of a court….” “….such person shall be guilty of contempt of court”. Fines and punishments are on a case-by-case basis. The judge will make a final decision regarding punishment.
If you are dealing with a custody agreement or any modification actions and are looking for a family law attorney in Kansas (in and around the Leawood area) or a family law attorney in Kansas City and the surrounding area, The Law Office of Young, Kuhl & Frick, LLC can help. We’re dedicated to the practice of family law and can help guide you through any family law matter, keeping your best interests in mind. Our team is skilled in negotiation and litigation, handling family law matters from the most complex to the most straightforward.