Can I revise the terms of my supervised visitation rights?

Supervised visitation may be ordered by family court judges when there have been issues of domestic violence or child abuse. While the court system feels that it is important to keep biological parents involved in their children’s lives, they want to ensure the safety of the child. Visitation rights can be suspended or denied altogether if the court finds it contrary to the child’s best interest.

Amending Visitation Orders

Supervised visitation may be appropriate for situations in which the non-custodial parent:

• Is currently working on improving their parenting skills
• Had past problems with anger management and is perceived as a threat to the child
• Was struggling with alcohol or drug abuse problems
• Had not been involved in the child’s life until recently

If there has been a substantial change of circumstances in the parent’s life, he or she may seek to alter the terms of visitation. Successfully modifying a child custody and visitation order will depend upon the circumstances of the case, state laws and the judge’s opinion.

Suggestions to Increase Your Chances

Here are some tips to bolster your chances of getting supervised visitation changed to unsupervised:

• Always keep scheduled visitation appointments. This demonstrates that you are sincerely interested in having a relationship with the child.
• Remember to be polite to the person supervising the visit. Do not engage in blaming the other parent or using vulgar language. Limit conversations to what is relevant during the visit.
• Bring other family members with you that can also interact with the child. This will take some of the pressure off you.
• When visits are going well, ask the supervisor if you can all go to a family park or restaurant nearby.

Parents who demonstrate that they no longer present a danger to the child will be much more successful in court. The supervisor may be called to testify in the case, so it’s important to keep this individual on your side.

How a Family Law Attorney Can Help

People who have been successful in completing treatment for drug or alcohol addiction may have a good chance of getting visitation terms modified. When you hire a family law attorney, they will tell you what the judge will be looking for. Testimony from mental health professionals such as a psychiatrist or psychologist may prove helpful. Contact an attorney to find out what your legal options are.