In some cases where one parent is given sole physical custody after a divorce, the other parent will still get visitation rights. They’re not responsible for making decisions on the child’s behalf. The child doesn’t live in their house in any long-term sense. But the parent still wants to have a relationship with that child, so they set up meetings and spend time together.
However, the court can order that supervised visitation must be used. This is typically done in a scenario where they think there is a danger to the child. Supervised visitation ensures that another adult is always present to make sure that the child is safe. Why could this be helpful, as opposed to just cutting off contact entirely?
It maintains the relationship
When supervised visitation is used, the goal is both to keep the child safe and to allow them to continue having a relationship with that parent.
For example, say that one parent was arrested for driving their vehicle under the influence of illegal drugs. They have a criminal record, and the court decides that they can’t have physical custody rights. The parent loves the child and swears they would never hurt them intentionally, but it’s too difficult to be sure that they wouldn’t drive under the influence while the child was in their custody. The court doesn’t want to put the child in a potentially dangerous position.
With supervised visitation, that parent still gets a chance to spend time with their child. Not only is this what the parent wants, but it may be best for the child’s development and growth. In this sense, the court order still keeps the child safe, but without entirely removing one parent from that child’s life.
Child custody arrangements can be fairly complex. Those who are going through the divorce process must understand all of their legal options.