Supervised Visitation in Broward County: What Fort Lauderdale Parents Need to Know
Parenting time is an emotional and often hotly contested issue in cases where a couple gets a divorce or goes through a separation in Fort Lauderdale. While Florida courts generally encourage child time-sharing, in some cases, a parent or guardian may have reason to request supervised visits between a child and the other parent.
If you’re navigating a Fort Lauderdale parenting time dispute, it’s important to understand when a judge is likely to order supervised visitation, who provides the supervision, and how it could impact future arrangements.
Supervised parenting time is not meant to punish. It’s designed to protect children in situations where there are serious concerns about their safety, well-being, or comfort level. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale child time-sharing lawyer explains what you need to know.
When Broward County Family Courts May Order Supervised Visits
Under the Florida Statutes, the top priority in cases involving divorced or separated parents is protecting the child’s best interests. Supervised visits are often ordered temporarily or as part of a long-term plan when the judge believes it’s necessary to ensure the child’s safety and well-being.
Common situations in which the Broward County Court may require supervised visitation include:
- There are allegations of abuse or neglect.
- One of the parents has a substance abuse problem.
- The couple has a prior history of domestic violence.
- The parent has previously been absent from the child’s life.
- They have mental health issues affecting their parenting capacity.
If you want to request supervised visits with the other parent as a way to protect your child, you will need credible supporting evidence. This includes police reports, medical records, and testimony from family or friends.
What to Expect With Supervised Parenting Time In Fort Lauderdale
What if you are the parent required to undergo supervised visitation? In this case, the judge will decide who provides supervision. The person they select could be a trusted family member, a neutral third party, or a professional visitation center approved by the Broward County Family Court. Here’s what you need to know to protect your rights throughout the process:
- Follow all court orders regarding times, locations, and supervisors.
- Maintain respectful communication with the supervising party.
- Document each visit to ensure accurate records.
- Demonstrate positive interaction with your child to support future unsupervised time.
- Work on any required programs (such as parenting classes or counseling).
Judges generally review supervised visitation orders periodically. Showing progress, compliance, and genuine commitment to your child’s well-being can lead to expanded time-sharing in the future.
Schedule A Consultation Today To Speak With Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Child Time-Sharing Lawyer
Whether you believe supervised parenting time is necessary to protect your child or if the court requires you to undergo supervised visits, get professional legal help from someone you can trust.
At Vanessa L. Prieto Law Offices, we help parents protect their children’s safety while preserving their parental rights. Call or contact us online and schedule a consultation today to speak with our experienced Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer.
Sources:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html
flcourts.gov/Resources-Services/Alternative-Dispute-Resolution/Parenting-Coordination
