This is the next post in a series discussing supervised visitation in Dayton, Ohio child custody cases. The previous article addressed the process of requesting that the other parent’s visitation be supervised. Providing adequate evidence that the circumstances surrounding the visitation have become unsafe for the child will be imperative to any such request. It is important to understand that the way judges handle a case will always depend on the specific facts of the situation. Once an order for supervised visitation is issued, parents should understand what to expect during a supervised visit. If your are involved in a dispute over child custody, contact our office to speak to a family law attorney.
The specifics of each family’s supervised visitations will be based upon the court’s order. In most situations, a judge will order that a neutral third-party serve as a supervisor during a scheduled visitation time. A typical order may allow a parent to spend a few hours with his or her child each week, supervised by someone such as the child’s Aunt, Uncle, or a Grandparent. The order will likely state when the visits are to occur, who may or may not supervise, and it may spell out where the visitations are to occur. Parks, restaurants, and other public places often serve as appropriate venues. There are also private organizations in the area that act as meeting places for supervised visitations if required. Rarely will a court allow the other parent to attend the visits to avoid hostilities.
During the visit, the parent should focus his or her time on interacting positively with the child. It is not appropriate to demean the other parent, discuss ongoing legal matters, or take other actions not in the child’s best interests. Engaging in such conduct or failing to attend scheduled visits may result in the suspension of visitation altogether. At a minimum, such conduct would reduce the likelihood of increased time or lifted supervision requirements. The other parent must also comply with the court’s supervised visitation order. It is imperative that the parent not attempt to attend or otherwise interfere with the visit. Failure of either party to comply with the order could result in contempt of court charges.
If you are seeking supervised visitation or subject to a supervision order and have questions about your rights or obligations, contact our office today to speak with a Dayton child custody attorney. We also serve the areas of Beavercreek, Centerville, Clayton, Eaton, Englewood, Fairborn, Franklin, Harrison Township, Huber Heights, Kettering, Oakwood, Lebanon, Miami Township, Miamisburg, Piqua, Riverside, Springboro, Springfield, Tipp City, Trotwood, Troy, Vandalia, Waynesville, Washington Township, West Carrollton, Yellow Springs, and Xenia.
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