Supervised Visitation in Pennsylvania

Supervised visitation is one option available as part of Pennsylvania custody laws. Unlike full, joint, or partial custody, visitation offers non-custodial parents limited time with their children. In the case of supervised visitation, a qualified third party must be present for the duration of the visit to ensure the safety of the child.

When is supervised visitation implemented?

In all custody cases, courts prioritize the best interest of the child. While the ideal scenario includes both parents having a relationship with the child, there are cases when supervised visitation is necessary. These cases include:

• Domestic violence cases in which no harm has come to the child,
• Neglect that has not resulted in serious injury to the child,
• Parents with substance abuse problems, and
• Parents with unmanaged mental illnesses.

Supervisor Designations

In some cases, courts may appoint an extended family member to act as the supervisor. This can include grandparents, aunts, uncles, or adult cousins. In other cases, the court may require a professionally trained supervisor at a visitation center. Visitation centers are privately owned facilities that often include professional security and trained supervisors who will oversee the visit. Visitation centers are typically only used in cases of abuse or cases in which the non-custodial parent is at risk of fleeing with the child.

What are the benefits of supervised visitation?

The first and probably most obvious benefit to supervised visitation is the well-being of the child. Because parents and courts should both strive for the child’s best interests, providing a safe environment in which to maintain a parental relationship is important. In addition, supervised visitations can be safer for both the custodial and non-custodial parent. Non-custodial parents will have a witness to any interactions with the child, and custodial parents will be able to hold the non-custodial parent accountable for what they say and do during the visits. If supervised visitation takes place at a visitation center, there will also be documentation of the visits.

Can supervised visitation be modified to unsupervised visitation?

In short, yes. There are cases in which the non-custodial parent can request a custody modification and receive unsupervised visitation. In those cases, there must be sufficient evidence to prove that circumstances have changed and the child will not be in danger if left in the care of the non-custodial parent. Parents who do not participate in supervised visits or who violate custody agreements are not likely to gain unsupervised visitation rights.

Custody is complicated and an experienced attorney can help.

Whether you are the custodial parent looking to petition for supervised visitation, or the non-custodial parent looking to modify your custody order, legal representation is important. The family law attorneys at Cornerstone Law Firm will work with you to ensure your child’s best interests are protected and your parental rights are upheld. Contact us today to schedule a consultation about your custody agreement.