It’s Easy for No One: Tips for Both Parents Involved in Supervised Visitation
Posted on: September 17, 2018
There are a number of reasons a judge may order supervised visitation. It may be because the parent and child have been separated for many years and supervised visits allow them to get reacquainted, it may be because of a history of domestic violence, substance abuse, child neglect, or another concern. Regardless of the reason, it is easy for no one involved.
No matter what side you are on, you likely have the same goal: What is best for the child. That is always the priority at Law Office of Michael L. Fell. To that end, we have created tips for both the visiting parent and the custodial parent. If you have questions about your child custody arrangement or need a legal opinion, contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 today.
Tips for a parent with supervised visitation
It may be uncomfortable to be with your child while a stranger looks on. The best thing you can do is to keep those feelings to yourself in front of your child. Work with an outside support group or therapist to deal with your feelings on your own. When you are with your child, they should be your only priority.
Make sure that you read and understand the court order so that you can comply with every aspect. Always arrive and depart on time. Never discuss any court cases or the terms of your visitation you’re your child. Do not ask about the other parent and do not make your child a messenger to them. When it is time to say goodbye, keep it brief and positive.
Tips for a parent who has custody during a supervised visitation
As the custodial parent, this is also a challenging experience for you. You have a schedule and routine and supervised visitation can feel like just another responsibility. Depending on the reason for supervised visitation, you may also worry about the visits. There are support groups that can help you and it may be worth it to talk to a mental health professional who can offer support.
In the meantime, make sure you understand the court order. Talk to your child and let them know where and when the visits will take place and make sure that they are ready for all visits. Drop them off and pick them up on time. Make sure that you reassure your child and support them by encouraging them to have a pleasant visit. Resist the urge to quiz your child about how the visit went and never make them a messenger.
This is a hard situation for anyone but it does not have to be complex. If you are having issues with supervised visitation, then you should talk to an attorney. Complaining to your friends or family, or the other parent, will not do any good. We can help. Contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 today to learn more.
