In Texas child custody cases, a supervised possession order may be necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of the child involved. This order places specific conditions on the parent’s visitation rights, including the need for supervision.
Review the possible reasons for a supervised possession order if you have concerns about your child’s safety and well-being with the other parent.
Substance abuse issues
If a parent has a history of substance abuse, struggles with addiction may warrant a supervised protection order. You may have grounds for supervision if the other parent has exposed your child to unsafe situations because of drug and alcohol use.
Domestic violence history
Supervised visits provide a controlled setting to minimize the risk of violence. You can request this arrangement if you have a documented history of abuse by the other parent against you or your child.
Parental alienation concerns
Parental alienation occurs when one parent negatively influences the child’s relationship with the other parent. A supervised possession order can help maintain a healthy parent-child relationship in this situation.
Limited prior relationship
If the parent seeking visitation has not had involvement in the child’s life, the court may initially order supervised visits. The goal in this case is to facilitate the development of a positive and stable relationship.
Mental health issues
According to 2021 data from the National Institutes of Mental Health, about 1 in 6 American adults has a mental health disorder such as depression or anxiety. The court may implement supervised visitation when a parent has severe documented mental health issues. You can pursue this solution if the other parent cannot provide a stable environment because of these concerns.
Rehabilitation and reintegration
When a parent addresses previous concerns with counseling, substance use treatment or other resources, they may have transitional supervised visits. This temporary arrangement allows a gradual reintegration with ongoing oversight.
Obtaining a supervised possession order requires proof of neglect, abuse or other unsafe conditions. The court considers the best interests of the child when determining the need for supervision during visitation.
