The Different Types of Parental Visitations

As you shop for the best child custody attorney in San Antonio, Texas, it’s important to also understand your parental visitation rights. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common types of visitation.  

Unsupervised

Unsupervised visits are the most common type of visitations scenarios. It implies that both parents can amicably agree on a visitation schedule that is in the best interest of their child. Some limitations may be outlined in the agreement such as when the child is breastfeeding. The mother may request that visitation take place in her home until the child is older or they acclimate to the bottle. Under normal circumstances, the non-custodial parent has the freedom to host the child in their own home or enjoy an outing on their visitation day without the approval of a judge.   

Supervised

In cases where physical or mental abuse is a factor, the court will order supervised visits. This means that visits must be supervised by a responsible adult approved by the judge. Sometimes, the judge will grant the non-custodial parent the right to select the supervisor. A grandparent, uncle, aunt, or close family friend can fill this role if approved by the courts. However, the judge can also appoint a third-party supervisor such as a social worker or mental health professional.

Therapeutic

In order to evaluate the parenting skill levels of one or both parents, the court reserves the right to appoint a mental health professional to supervise visits. While a social worker’s job is to simply act as a neutral third-party, a mental health counselor works with the parent to help them improve their parenting skills, giving them advice on how to connect and encourage their children in a positive way. Their progress is recorded and reported back to the judge for evaluation.

Virtual

A new form of visitation has emerged in the age of the internet. Virtual visitation uses video chat technology similar to the technology used on Skype or Facetime. Many children are already familiar with this sort of technology which makes it easier for them to adapt to this type of visitation. In cases where the non-custodial parent lives too far away for regular visits, virtual visitation is a good solution to reconnect with children. It’s also a good solution for parents with conflicting schedules.   

Whether you’re filing for divorce or fighting for custody, the best child custody attorney in San Antonio, Texas, can help you understand your rights as a parent and find the best visitation solution for you.