One of the most contentious aspects of a divorce is child custody. In an ideal world, both parents would agree on a custody arrangement that the court felt was suitable. The reality is that it often doesn’t work out like that.
You may have heard of the term “supervised visitation” but be unsure about what this means precisely. Outlined below are some of the key points to remember.
It’s a safe environment for interactions
In Illinois, supervised visits can occur at home but they often take place in designated visitation centers. The ultimate aim of this is to provide a safe environment for the child. Wherever the visit takes place, there must always be a neutral chaperone who can take over should this become necessary.
The reasons for supervised visits are many
Supervised visits are often associated with parents who have had problems with alcohol, drugs or domestic abuse. While visits can be supervised when such issues apply, this isn’t always the case. Supervised visits can be helpful for parents and children who have become estranged through no fault of their own. This type of visit can also benefit a parent who is recovering from a long-term illness.
It may not be a permanent situation
Generally, supervised visits are ordered on a temporary basis. They usually give the court time to assess the situation and decide upon a more suitable and permanent arrangement. That being said, the duration of supervised visitation is at the discretion of the family court.
As a parent, you have a host of legal rights. If you have questions about custody or want to make a custody modification, make sure you seek some guidance first — particularly if supervised visitation is involved.