A potential challenge often associated with a contentious divorce involves one or both spouses challenging the other’s fitness to parent. While sometimes this is a valid concern, other times, serious and untruthful allegations are made out of spite. As painful as this can be for a parent on the receiving end, children are the ones typically most affected.
If a judge has determined that you can have only supervised visitation with your child – even if it’s a temporary order while allegations of neglect, abuse or other wrongdoing are investigated, it’s understandable that you’re angry and resentful. You can and should fight for your right to have greater access to your child if the allegations aren’t warranted or have been greatly exaggerated.
Cooperation with rules and those enforcing them is key
In the meantime, it’s important to make the most of the time you’re allowed to be with your child, even though it’s not under the circumstances you want. Not only does your child deserve that, but by cooperating with everything required of you and those whose job it is to enforce the order, you can only improve your case for increased access.
That means showing up (and being on time) for all of your visitations, focusing your attention on your child and not how you feel about your co-parent and cooperating with those supervising the visitation. Depending on what the judge orders, parents may be allowed to have supervised visitation in their own or someone else’s home with a friend or family member supervising. Many parents need to go to one of the authorized visitation sites across Florida
Many of these designated sites have games, dolls, books and other activities available. Of course, it’s always best when you or your child can bring something of your own. It’s important to focus on what your child would like. The most important thing is to continue to bond with your child or to rebuild your relationship if it’s been damaged.
By making the most of your ordered supervised visitation, you are doing what’s in your child’s best interests. In the meantime, as noted, you have every right to work towards more parenting time – and greater parenting rights. Having sound legal guidance is crucial.
