All custody rulings are based on the best interests of the child. Generally, the courts in Texas deem both parents being actively involved to be in the best interests of the child. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean unsupervised visitation.
In certain situations, the courts can order supervised visitation. Why might they do this?
For health reasons
Supervised visitation is often ordered when a parent or child has physical or mental health issues. A parent or child with health issues may find unsupervised visits overwhelming. With supervised visitation, an experienced individual is always on hand to monitor the visit. They can step in should it become too much.
When the relationship is new
Sometimes, a parent may not find out about their child until months or even years after they were born. They may want to get to know their child after finding out. Jumping straight into unsupervised visits is often too much when parent and child have become estranged. Supervised visitation allows them to build a gradual bond over time.
When there is evidence of abuse
It is rare for the court to completely remove parental rights. However, when there is a history of abuse, they will monitor the situation very closely. They may allow the parent who has been accused of abuse to see the child on a supervised basis. Importantly, the parent doesn’t have to have been abusive to the child for supervised visitation to be ordered. They may have been abusive to their former partner, for example.
Custody cases can be complex. To protect your rights and those of your child, it will help to seek legal guidance.
