Allowing visitation is a typical way for courts to help parents maintain relationships with their children after the divorce. Sometimes, the involved parties are on good enough terms to entrust the child to the other parent. Still, other cases can have specific circumstances that make it reasonable to require a supervisor during visits.
The extent of supervision can vary based on the situation. In New Hampshire, the court can order a specific type according to the case details, including the following:
- Monitoring exchanges — This option usually applies when there is a history of domestic abuse between parents. A third party would monitor when a parent sends off the child for parenting time with the other party without contact or interaction.
- Semi-supervised visits — This approach involves regular meetings between the child and the parent at a designated venue monitored by a supervisor. It is often appropriate for cases involving risks of substance abuse.
- Fully supervised visits — These meetups have dedicated supervisors who will closely observe the visit. These measures could be necessary to address flight risks or other concerns that may endanger the child.
The judge has the discretion to decide based on the child’s best interests, so they can adjust the arrangement as needed.
Prioritizing the family’s needs
When deciding child custody and visitation details, the court may need to balance protecting the child’s interests and allowing parties to perform their rightful parental duties. These supervised options provide ways to do so while mitigating risks. However, seeking legal counsel can be helpful if these setups are not working or require further adjustments. Proactively approaching these legal concerns can benefit the child and the entire family.
