Child custody courts can award supervised visitation when they have doubts over letting a parent spend time with the child alone. For example, if you have had recent problems with drugs or alcohol or have acted violently in the past.
Only gaining the right to see your child in the presence of someone else is a frustrating outcome in a custody hearing. Yet it is crucial to remember things do not need to stay that way.
Instead of getting angry about the situation, which could cause you to lose even that right, consider it an opportunity to show why you do not need supervision. Everyone can change, and if you can show you have put your issues behind you, you will be able to apply for a more generous custody arrangement in the future.
Remember you are on show
How can you show your best side? Here are some things to remember:
- The supervisor is not your enemy: They are doing their job. Taking your frustrations out on them will not help them create a favorable impression of you.
- This is weird for your child, too: Your child may be as confused as you are about why you need supervision when together. Try to explain it in an age-appropriate way and do your best to make them feel comfortable. You are the adult here.
- Make the most of your time together: You do not need to fill every second with activity, but knowing what you will do ahead of time saves wasting precious moments. Consider running through some options for your next meeting at the end of each visitation.
Once you have been successfully visiting with supervision for a while, you can seek legal help to look at requesting a custody modification to allow you more freedom.