What is Supervised Visitation?
Supervised visitation in Texas is a court-ordered arrangement in which a non-custodial parent can spend time with their child only under the supervision of an approved third party. This structure may be implemented to protect the child's best interests if necessary. John Powell provides an in-depth guide to supervised visitation in Pearland, TX.
An Overview of the Concept of Supervised Visitation
In Texas, supervised visitation is court-ordered parenting time in which a non-custodial parent may only spend time with their child with an approved third-party supervisor. The intent behind supervised visitation is to allow the parent-child relationship to continue while prioritizing the child’s safety and emotional well-being. The arrangement is generally required when the court has concerns about the child’s welfare during unsupervised visits.
Know the Most Common Reasons Supervised Visitation is Required
Texas family courts order supervised visitation when they believe a child may be at risk during visits with a parent. Some of the main reasons include:
- A history of child abuse or child neglect
- Evidence of substance abuse issues
- A parent has been absent from the child’s life for a significant period
- Mental health concerns
- Parents’ criminal record
- A history of domestic violence
Who Supervises the Non-Custodial Parent?
It depends. Supervised visitation can be conducted at a designated facility, a visitation center, or in a more informal setting under the watch of a court-approved supervisor. Sometimes, the court may require a licensed professional or someone affiliated with a visitation service.
In other instances, a trusted family member or friend may serve in that role. For example, a grandparent could potentially be the supervisor. Sometimes, the co-parent (parent with primary custody) supervises, though that is less common.
Supervised Visitation Can Be Required if Deemed Best for the Child
Under Texas law (Texas Family Code § 153.002), the best interests of the child standard applies to all custody and visitation cases, including those involving proposed or mandated supervised visitation. In Texas, supervised visitation may be required if the court determines it is in the child's best interest. Judges have broad discretion to impose this arrangement when there are concerns about the child’s safety, stability, or emotional well-being.
The Bottom Line: The child’s best interest is the guiding principle in custody or visitation.
Supervised Visitation Can Be Changed When Deemed Appropriate
Supervised visitation is not always forever. These arrangements in Texas can be modified. If the supervised parent demonstrates consistent, responsible behavior and addresses the concerns that led to the court’s decision, they may request a modification of the order. The court will re-evaluate the circumstances and determine whether unsupervised visits are now appropriate.
Consult With Our Pearland Supervised Child Visitation Attorney Today
John Powell is a family law attorney and is a knowledgeable and experienced advocate for parents. If you have any questions or concerns about supervised visitation, we are ready to help. Contact us today for a fully confidential consultation. From our Pearland office, our firm handles supervised visitation cases throughout Southeast Texas.