Supervised Visitation

In a New York divorce or custody case, supervised visitation is a parenting arrangement where a parent may spend time with their child only in the presence of a neutral third party. Courts typically order supervised visitation when there are concerns about a child’s safety, well-being, or emotional health, such as allegations of abuse, neglect, substance abuse, mental health issues, or a prolonged absence from the child’s life.

The purpose is not to punish a parent, but to allow the child to maintain a relationship with that parent in a safe and structured environment. Supervision may be provided by a professional agency, therapist, or an agreed-upon family member or friend.