Every family dynamic is different. While having children can be joyous and exciting, it adds another layer to the family dynamic.
The area of family law that deals with who a child lives with and visits is called child custody. The family courts in Pennsylvania deal with child custody cases every day. While each case is different, there are some constants in terms of the court reaching a decision.
One of these constants is the best interests of the child. This is the deciding factor in all custody cases. Sometimes, parents can split custody and both have unsupervised visits, but this isn’t always in the best interests of the child. Another option is supervised visitation.
When is supervised visitation in the best interests of the child?
The family courts use several principles to determine the best interests of the child. These include safety, stability, the financial security of each parent and living circumstances.
Safety is the most important factor of these. If there are any safety risks to the child, then the courts can utilize supervised visitation to try and address them. For example, if one parent has a history of domestic violence, they may still be legally entitled to visitation. However, supervised visitation can add an extra layer of protection for the child. Other safety concerns increasing the likelihood of supervised visitation include a risk of abduction, a history of neglect or a history of substance abuse.
Other reasons for supervised visitation
As mentioned, family dynamics can vary greatly. There are situations where a parent may not be aware of their child for many years. Upon finding out, they may wish to build a relationship. This can take time, and supervised visitation provides a perfect platform for parents and children to bond at a suitable pace.
To find out more about the different variations of custody and visitation, it may be helpful to seek legal guidance.
