At R & S Law Group, LLP, we are often asked about a variety of visitation matters and procedures in California. Many of these questions center around restricted visitation arrangements such as supervised visits. To help clear the air, this post examines how supervised visitation arrangements are set in motion, then briefly touches upon the reasons that the family law courts in California generally grant restricted visitation arrangements.

The information in this post serves as general information and is no substitute for legal advice. If you want more tailored counsel, we invite you to contact us directly at R & S Law Group. That said, here’s how supervised visits work in California.

How Supervised Visits Are Set in Motion

In California, a family law judge can choose to modify or restrict visitation arrangements if he/she has any reason to believe that the welfare of a child is or will be endangered under regular visitation. The state of California recognizes that a healthy relationship for both parents is key for the development and well-being of a child. Supervised visitations allow a child to maintain a relationship with a parent in a setting that is safe and promotes healthy interactions.

Common reasons that warrant restricted or supervised visits can include:

• Threat of physical, mental, sexual, or any other type of abuse
• The threat of parental kidnapping
• History of drug or alcohol abuse
• History of criminal convictions

Ultimately, a judge will always prioritize the bests interest of the child, even if that means that a parent’s rights need to be restricted. Furthermore, a judge could add additional stipulations to a restricted or supervised visitation arrangement, including the stipulation that the restricted parent attend parenting classes, anger management classes, and more.

When to Seek Out Restricted Visitation Arrangements

If your child’s health is or could be threatened in any way, shape, or form during regular visitation arrangements, it is critical that you seek out restricted visitation arrangements in California. No parent can afford to take any changes when it comes to the welfare of their children.

Do remember that judges will avoid granting restricted or supervised visitation arrangements when there are other alternatives on the table. In other words, restricted and supervised visitations aren’t simply another option for parents to pick and choose from. Rather, it is only implemented when the situation warrants this type of response.

Talk to a Trusted Child Custody Attorney in California

If you want to learn more, or have any questions that relate to supervised visitation, child custody, divorce, or any other matter relating to family law in California, remember that you can contact us directly at R & S Law Group, LLP. We provide free initial consultations, where you can learn more about how we can help.