Various legal issues can surface during and after the divorce, specifically for cases that involve children. In these scenarios, you and your former spouse could have conflicting beliefs and opinions about how to raise your child. These situations can also escalate based on details revealed during proceedings or evaluations, requiring further court intervention.
When certain factors are present and could put the child at risk, a judge can order supervised visitation between your child and the other parent. Different circumstances can call for this setup, including the following:
- The child never met the parent or has been apart from them for an extended period.
- The parent has a history of substance abuse or mental health issues, potentially impacting their behavior around the child.
- The parent expressed intentions to flee with the child.
- The case involves allegations of domestic violence or abuse.
Before issuing supervised visitations, a judge may order additional investigations to determine the extent of risks. Based on this information, they can also decide on the type of supervision. When there are few safety risks, the court can allow non-professional supervisors, such as friends or family members, to oversee visitations. Other times, there can be too much risk, requiring more attentive monitoring by a certified professional usually referred by the court.
Understanding what is best for the child
Any parent would prioritize their child’s best interests, which is also the judge’s goal when finalizing child-related concerns and matters. If you have any confusion or misunderstandings about your visitation arrangement, consider seeking legal guidance before taking further action. Experienced insight into the case can help you fully understand the situation before determining the most appropriate options that put your family’s needs first.