Supervised visitation is usually temporary and lasts for a few months. The length of supervised visitation depends on the parent's ability to change the issues that led to the order.
Family courts usually believe that maintaining contact with both parents is in a child's best interest after a divorce. However, in cases where visitation may pose a risk to a child’s safety or well-being, a judge may order supervised visitation.
Through supervised visitation, a parent may maintain a bond with their child until the situation changes and a judge deems it safe for unsupervised visitation.
If a judge determines that the visits support the child's best interests, all restrictions may be lifted, or the parent may receive more frequent, longer, and less restrictive visits. If the parent does not change, supervised visitation may continue indefinitely.
Below is a list of situations in which supervised visitation might be ordered:
- There is a history of alcohol or drug abuse
- There is a threat of parental abduction
- There is a history of neglect or domestic violence
- The parent and child never had a relationship
- To reintroduce the parent and child after a period of separation
- To allow the parent to work on specific issues that may be harmful to the child
Supervised visitation can also incur costs if a parent is ordered to use a professional provider to monitor the visits. If the court allows a non-professional, such as a friend or family member, to supervise visitation, that person will not be paid for monitoring the visits.
At What Age Does Visitation Stop in Texas?
In Texas, children can only refuse visitation once they turn 18. Visitation is the parent's right and cannot be taken away by the custodial parent or child. Once a child turns 18, they are considered a legal adult and can choose their parenting schedule. They cannot be forced to visit with their parent if they don't want to
Discuss Your Visitation Case with an Experienced Family Law Attorney Today!
If you are seeking supervised visitation or supervised visitation was ordered in your case, contact the family law team at Cynthia Tracy, Attorney at Law, P.C., for the skilled assistance you need.
Backed by more than 30 years of experience and a track record of successful results, you can trust that our attorney has what it takes to obtain the best outcome possible for your case.
Reach out to our law firm today at (281) 612-5443 to set up a consultation with our knowledgeable attorney to get started on your supervised visitation case and learn more about what we can do to help you.
