When a court orders supervised visitation, it means that one parent can only see their child under the watchful eye of another adult. This is usually done to protect the child while still allowing the parent to maintain a relationship. At Navarette & Schwartz, P.C., we understand how difficult and emotional these situations can be. We’re here to help you understand your rights, follow the court’s order, and work toward a better outcome for your family.
What Is Supervised Visitation?
Supervised visitation refers to court-ordered visitation, also called parenting time, that must take place in the presence of a third party. This arrangement is often temporary and designed to ensure that a child is safe during visits with a parent.
These visits may occur:
- At a designated facility
- In the home of a trusted family member or friend
- Under the supervision of a neutral third-party professional
The goal of supervised visitation is to give children the chance to have meaningful contact with both parents, even under challenging circumstances. It’s not about punishment — it’s about safety and giving families the chance to heal and rebuild trust.
When Is Supervised Visitation Ordered in Texas?
Family courts don’t take decisions about parenting time lightly. Supervised visitation is only ordered when a judge believes it’s necessary to protect the child’s physical or emotional well-being.
Situations that may lead to supervised visitation include:
- Allegations of physical or emotional abuse
- Ongoing substance abuse by a parent
- Untreated mental health conditions that impact parenting
- History of domestic violence or restraining orders
- Reintroduction after a long absence or incarceration
Texas courts are guided by what is in the child’s best interest. If there’s any concern that unsupervised time with a parent could harm the child, the court may decide that supervision is appropriate, at least for a while.
What Happens During a Supervised Visit?
A supervised visit allows a parent and child to spend time together while someone else is present to monitor the interaction. These visits can be scheduled through court-approved centers or arranged with a designated supervisor, depending on the circumstances.
During the visit, the parent might:
- Play games or read with the child
- Help with homework
- Share a meal or snack
- Catch up and talk in a safe, structured setting
The role of the supervisor is to ensure that the visit remains safe and appropriate. They may take notes or provide feedback to the court. While this setup can feel uncomfortable at first, many parents find that over time, these visits become more relaxed and meaningful. What matters most is maintaining a connection with your child.
Modifying or Ending Supervised Visitation
Supervised visitation does not have to last forever. If your court order includes supervised visits, it may be possible to modify the order later, especially if you can show that your circumstances have changed.
The court may consider a change if you can show:
- Completion of a parenting or anger management course
- Clean drug tests
- Ongoing mental health treatment or counseling
- A stable living environment
- Positive reports from supervisors
To modify the order, you’ll need to file a formal request with the court and be ready to provide documentation that supports your progress. Until the court approves a change, you must continue following the current order. We’ll help you take the right steps to make that change possible.
How We Can Help
If you’re dealing with a supervised visitation order, whether you’re the parent subject to the supervision or the parent requesting it, we’re here to guide you through the process. At Navarette & Schwartz, P.C., we’ve helped many Texas parents address concerns around parenting time while protecting their children and working toward fair outcomes.
We can help by:
- Explaining what your order means and how to comply
- Preparing and filing requests to modify or enforce orders
- Representing you in court hearings
- Gathering supporting evidence and witness statements
- Offering realistic guidance on what to expect and how to move forward
We understand the stress you may be feeling, and we’re here to support you.
Contact Our Experienced Midland & Odessa Supervised Visitation Attorneys
Supervised visitation may feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t mean your relationship with your child is over. With time, patience, and the right legal support, you can work toward a better arrangement. If you’re dealing with a supervised visitation issue in Midland or Odessa, reach out to Navarette & Schwartz, P.C. We’ll take the time to understand your situation and help you protect your family’s future.