When parents go through a divorce or separation, one of the most important decisions revolves around child custody and visitation. Illinois courts prioritize the child’s well-being and safety, which often leads to the determination of whether visitation should be supervised or unsupervised.
What is supervised visitation?
Supervised visitation ensures that a neutral third party monitors the interactions between the non-custodial parent and the child. This arrangement is often required when there are concerns about the child’s safety. Common reasons include past instances of abuse, neglect, or substance abuse. The visits typically take place at designated facilities, and the supervisor may be a professional or a trusted family member.
What is unsupervised visitation?
Unsupervised visitation allows the non-custodial parent to spend time with their child without supervision. This arrangement is typically granted when there are no concerns regarding the child’s safety. Parents are usually free to choose the location and activities during visitation as long as they follow the agreed-upon schedule and guidelines.
Deciding factors in Illinois courts
Illinois courts consider many factors when deciding between supervised and unsupervised visitation. Judges review the history of the relationship between the child and the parent, any history of domestic violence, mental health issues, and the parent’s ability to provide a stable environment. The primary focus is the best interests of the child.
Modifying visitation orders
Visitation arrangements are not set in stone. Either parent can request a modification to the visitation order if circumstances change. For example, if the non-custodial parent shows improvement in behavior or addresses previous concerns, the court may modify supervised visitation to unsupervised. Conversely, if new issues arise, the court may adjust unsupervised visits to supervised ones.
Visitation arrangements can significantly affect the parent-child relationship and a child’s well-being. Navigating these legal complexities should be done with the help of an experienced attorney who can guide parents through the process and advocate for their families.