During divorce, the well-being of your children is taken very seriously, prioritizing their safety, emotional stability and overall welfare above all else. Where deemed appropriate, a judge may order supervised visitation to better ensure that any potential risks or concerns are mitigated, providing a structured environment for parent-child interaction.
In Massachusetts, a family court judge can order supervised visitation if any of the following circumstances are present.
1. Reasonable evidence of domestic abuse
If your ex-spouse has a history of domestic abuse or there is reasonable evidence presented to the court indicating a risk of domestic violence, a judge may order supervised visitation to help ensure the safety and well-being of the children. This measure helps to prevent any potential harm or trauma to the children by ensuring that their interactions with the non-custodial parent are closely monitored and supervised by a neutral third party or a professional supervisor.
2. Mental illness
Where your ex-spouse is coping with a mental illness that could compromise the safety or stability of the children during visitation, a judge may order supervised visitation. This arrangement allows for continued contact between the non-custodial parent and the children while ensuring that their well-being is protected by the presence of a qualified supervisor who can intervene if necessary.
3. Documented drug and substance abuse
Another reason a Massachusetts family court judge may order supervised visitation is if there is documented evidence of drug and substance abuse by the non-custodial parent. Substance abuse poses significant risks to the safety and well-being of the children during visitation, as it can impair the parent’s judgment and ability to provide a stable environment.
4. Alienation
If there’s evidence of one parent alienating the child from the other parent, a judge may order supervised visitation. This helps prevent further damage to the parent-child relationship while providing a neutral environment for interaction.
If you are considering divorce and have concerns about the well-being and safety of your children, consider seeking legal guidance to better understand the options available to protect their interests.