Supervised Contact: What It Means
Supervised contact is one way the court can allow visits while still protecting the child. It means the parent can spend time with the child, but only if another trusted person is there to watch over the visit.
The person supervising could be:
- A close and trusted relative
- A friend of the family
- A professional supervisor approved by the court
This type of arrangement can be helpful when there are safety concerns, but the court still believes the child should maintain some connection with the parent. Even in difficult situations like imprisonment, the court may still allow limited supervised visits instead of fully denying access to a child.
What Happens if There’s a Breach of a Parenting Order?
If your ex is stopping you from seeing your child, and there’s a parenting order in place, that can be considered a breach.
You can contact the police if the child is in danger, but most of the time, these matters are handled through the family court. You might need to apply to enforce the parenting order or request a change if the arrangement no longer works.
Justice Family Lawyers often assist parents in this position by preparing the right documents and helping present your case. It’s important to act within the law and follow the process, so the court knows you’re putting your child’s best interests first.
FAQs
Can I stop my ex from seeing our child?
You can’t just decide to cut off contact. Denying access to a child is only allowed in limited situations, like when there’s a safety risk or a court order already in place.
What can I do if I’m not being allowed to see my child?
First, try mediation. If that fails, contact Justice Family Lawyers or another trusted legal team to apply for a parenting or recovery order.
Is it ever okay to deny overnight stays?
Yes, but only when there are genuine concerns about safety or wellbeing. Courts need solid reasons and evidence to support this.
What is a recovery order?
A recovery order is something the court can issue to get your child returned if they’re being withheld from you without legal reason.
Can I record visits to protect myself?
It’s best to get legal advice first. Recording visits might be allowed in some cases, but it could also cause issues if not done properly.
Speak to Justice Family Lawyers
If you’re dealing with denying access to a child or facing blocked visitation, don’t handle it alone. Reach out to Justice Family Lawyers for help. Their team can support you through the legal process, from parenting orders to recovery applications and supervised contact plans.
Getting things right early can protect your child and avoid bigger problems later. Contact us today to learn more about how they can help.
