Can You Request Supervised Visitation for Safety? – ChooseGoldman.com


Parents worry about their kids. Sometimes, a parent worries if the child is safe with the other parent. If so, they can ask for watched time with the child.

What is Watched Time?

What It Means: Watched time is when a parent sees their child, but another adult is there too. This adult watches to keep the child safe. A judge can order this, but only if there is a very good reason.

Why It’s a Big Deal: Asking for watched time is serious. It changes how a parent sees their child. It is also hard for the person who must watch.

Who Watches?:

  • Someone you trust: A family member or friend might watch.
  • A paid watcher: A trained person from a company can watch.
  • Someone the judge picks: The judge decides who should watch.

Where Does it Happen?:

  • A special place: Some places are just for safe watched time.
  • A family house: Time might be at grandma’s house if the judge says yes.
  • A public place: Maybe a park, if the judge agrees.

Story Example: Sue worried about her child’s dad. He got mad very fast. She asked the judge for watched time. The judge said yes. The dad’s mom had to be there when he saw the child.

Why Would a Judge Order Watched Time?

Safety is Key: A judge orders watched time to keep a child safe. If a parent might hurt a child, the judge acts. You must show the judge why the child needs this safety help.

Show the Reason: You need a good reason for the court. Akiva Goldman is a lawyer. He talks about this in the video “Can You Request Supervised Visitation for Safety?”. You need proof that watched time is needed for the child.

Reasons for Safety Worries:

  • Hurt before: The parent hurt the child in the past.
  • Gets too angry: The parent gets very mad and might scare the child.
  • Drug use: The parent uses drugs or drinks too much alcohol.

Other Court Reasons:

  • Mind sickness: A parent’s mind sickness might make it unsafe.
  • Might take the child: Worries the parent will run away with the child.
  • Has not seen child: The parent has not seen the child in a long, long time.

Story Example: Ken showed the judge doorbell videos. The videos showed his ex yelling and throwing things near their son. The judge ordered watched time at a special center because of the videos.

Do I Need a Good Reason for Watched Time?

Yes, a Strong Reason: Judges think kids need time with both parents. Ordering watched time cuts that time. So, judges only do it if the child might be unsafe.

Tell the Judge Why: You must tell the judge why the child needs watched time. It must be about safety. It cannot be about hurting the other parent. If the judge thinks you just want control, the judge will say no.

What Judges Look For:

  • Real harm?: Is the child really unsafe alone with the parent?
  • Parent’s acts: What did the parent do to make you worry?
  • Child’s needs: Will watched time help the child feel safe?

Reasons That Might Work:

  • Proof of harm: Police papers or photos that show danger.
  • People who saw: Others saw the parent act unsafe near the child.
  • Parent’s words: Texts where the parent says unsafe things.

Story Example: Liz wanted watched time. Her ex stayed out late. But she had no proof the child was unsafe. The judge said no. Her reason was not strong enough.

What if the Problem Was Long Ago?

Old Problems Are Weak: Maybe a parent used to drink too much. But you knew this for years. Now you say it is a problem. The judge will wonder why you waited.

It Can Hurt Your Case: Using old problems can make you look bad. The judge might think you are not honest. Be careful using old reasons. The judge might even think you make bad choices.

Why Old Reasons Fail:

  • You knew then: You were okay with it when you were together.
  • No new problems: Nothing new happened to make it unsafe now.
  • Looks like control: The judge might think you just want to be mean.

Think About Now:

  • Safety now: What makes the child unsafe right now?
  • New acts: Did the parent do something unsafe just now?
  • Things changed?: Did something change to make old things unsafe?

Story Example: Tim asked for watched time. His ex used to drink a lot. But she stopped drinking two years ago. Tim often left the kids with her then. The judge said no because the problem was not happening now.

What Kind of Proof Do I Need Now?

Show Proof From Now: If you want watched time, you need proof from right now. Old stories are not enough. You must show the judge the child is in danger today.

What is New Proof?: Think about things that just happened. Did your camera record the parent yelling? Did a teacher say something bad happened? The court wants proof from now.

Types of Proof From Now:

  • Photos or videos: New pictures showing unsafe acts.
  • Messages: Texts from now showing bad plans or choices.
  • People who saw now: People saw something unsafe happen lately.

Why New Proof is Good:

  • Shows risk now: It proves the danger is real today.
  • Helps your worry: It shows why watched time is needed now.
  • Hard to deny: It’s hard for the other parent to say it is not true.

Story Example: Mary had new texts from her ex. He said mean things. He said he would not care for their child well. She showed the texts to the judge. This new proof helped her get watched time.

Is It About Safety or Just Control?

The Judge Decides: Judges try to learn why you want watched time. Is the child truly unsafe? Or are you just trying to stop the other parent’s time? You Could Lose: If the judge thinks you want control, not safety, you will lose. Your request must be about keeping the child safe. Only talk about safety facts.

Signs It Is About Safety:

  • Clear danger shown: Pointing to real risks like drug use.
  • New proof shown: Giving proof of problems happening now.
  • Child first: Showing how watched time keeps the child safe.

Signs It Is About Control:

  • No clear reason: Not explaining the danger well.
  • Only old stuff: Using past problems you knew about.
  • Trying to block time: Stopping time without real safety worries.

Story Example: Dan asked for watched time. He said his ex was a bad parent. But he showed no proof of real safety risks. The judge felt Dan was just mad about their split. The judge said no.

How Does Watched Time Affect Future Child Time?

It Matters Later: If a judge orders watched time, it matters later. It goes in the court file. It shows the judge worried about that parent keeping the child safe.

Harder to Get More Time: Later, that parent might ask for more time with the child. They might ask for the child to live with them. The old order for watched time can hurt their case. The judge will recall the safety issues.

How it Affects Later Cases:

  • Shows past risk: Reminds the judge there were safety worries before.
  • Harder to get child: Makes it harder to ask for the child to live there.
  • Must show change: The parent must prove the old safety problems are gone.

Ending Watched Time:

Story Example: Ann had watched time because she used drugs before. Two years later, she showed proof she was clean. She asked the judge to stop the watched time. The judge said yes because she proved she changed.

What if My Child Seems Unsafe During Time with the Other Parent?

Acting on Worries: Parents might see risks differently. One parent sees danger, the other sees fun. If you think your child is at risk during their time with the other parent, think about what a judge would call unsafe.

How Judges See Risk: Judges look for real danger. Riding a bike might seem risky to you. But a judge might allow it if the child wears a helmet. Asking the court for help works best if the judge will probably agree it is unsafe.

When to Act:

  • Real harm possible: The child could really get hurt in body or feelings.
  • Parent skips safety: The other parent refuses to use safety gear or rules.
  • Child is afraid: The child shows real fear about the parent or place.

What Might Not Be Enough:

  • Just different styles: You just don’t like how the other parent does things.
  • Small boo-boos: Kids get small cuts. This usually is not enough.
  • Things you dislike: If the thing is not truly unsafe by court rules.

Story Example: Bill’s ex let their small child ride a four-wheeler with no helmet. Bill thought this was very unsafe. He talked to a lawyer. He asked the judge to order safety rules for the visits.

Can a Judge Say No to Watched Time?

Yes, Judges Can Say No: A judge will not order watched time just because you ask. You need strong proof from now showing a safety risk. If you do not show this, the judge will likely say no.

Why a Judge Might Say No: A judge might say no if they think you are angry or want control. They might say no if you only talk about old problems. They might say no if your proof does not make them believe the child is unsafe now.

Reasons Judges Say No:

  • Not enough proof: You did not show proof of danger now.
  • Wrong reason: The judge thinks you want control, not safety.
  • Old news: The problems are old and you were okay with them before.

What If the Judge Says No:

  • Normal time goes on: The other parent’s time with the child stays the same.
  • Judge might trust less: Making a weak case can look bad to the judge.
  • Need new plan: You might need other ways to handle worries if they stay.

Story Example: Jane asked for watched time. She did not like her ex’s new girlfriend. Jane had no proof the girlfriend was unsafe. The judge said no. Not liking someone is not a reason for watched time.

Are There Rules for Watched Time in Michigan?

Yes, Michigan Has Rules: When watched time is ordered, rules must be followed. The rule

s change based on who watches and where it happens. The main goal is always what’s best and safest for the child during their time with the parent. Rules Depend on the Type: Time watched by a family member has different rules than time watched by a paid helper. Paid helpers often use special centers. They have strict rules about talking and touch.

Rules with Family Watchers:

  • Watcher stays close: The friend or family member must always be there.
  • Place limits: Time might only happen at the watcher’s home.
  • Tell the court: The watcher must tell the court about any safety worries.

Rules with Paid Watchers:

  • Must see and hear: The watcher must see and hear everything.
  • No adult talk: Parents cannot talk about court stuff with the child.
  • Special rooms only: Time happens only in set rooms at the center.

Story Example: A judge ordered paid watched time for Pete. The rules said Pete could not ask his son about his mom. He also had to stay in the special room the whole time.

What if I Need a Lawyer’s Help?

Family Law is Hard: Watched time cases use Michigan family law. The rules are hard. Getting proof is hard. Talking to the judge is hard. A lawyer’s help is often smart.

When to Ask for Help: Maybe you want to ask for watched time. Maybe the other parent asked for it against you. Talk to a lawyer. They can tell you your rights. They can help you help your child.

How Lawyers Help:

  • Explain rules: Help you know Michigan rules for watched time.
  • Get proof: Tell you what proof you need and how to find it.
  • File papers: Fill out and file court papers the right way.

Finding Good Help:

  • Look for know-how: Find lawyers who do family law and child time cases in Michigan.
  • Ask things: Ask about how many watched time cases they handled.
  • Feel good: Pick a lawyer you trust to handle this important case.

Story Example: Matt’s ex asked for watched time. Matt felt lost. He called Goldman and Associates. His lawyer helped him show proof that he was a safe dad.

Extra Things to Know

Think About the Child: Judges always think about what is best for the child. Watched time is not to punish a parent. It is only used if the child needs that extra safety step right now. Watched Time Can End: Watched time might not last forever. A parent can show they fixed the problem. They can finish classes or treatment. Then they can ask the judge to change the order back to normal time.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is watched time?
It is when a parent sees their child, but another adult watches. This keeps the child safe.

2. Why would a judge order it?
A judge orders it if a child might be unsafe alone with a parent. Maybe because of past harm or drug use.

3. Do I need proof to ask for it?
Yes, you need good proof that the child is unsafe now without a watcher.

4. Can I use old problems as proof?
Old problems may not work if you knew about them before. Judges want proof of danger now.

5. What proof is best?
Proof from now is best. Use new videos, photos, texts, or people who saw unsafe things.

6. Who can watch?
A trusted family member or friend can watch. A paid trained person can watch too.

7. Where does watched time happen?
It can happen at a special center or maybe a family home. The judge must approve the place.

8. What if the judge thinks I want control?
The judge will say no if they think you just want control. It must be about the child’s safety.

9. Does watched time affect future child time?
Yes, it shows there were safety worries. It can make it harder for that parent to get more time later.

10. Can watched time stop?
Yes, if the parent shows the safety problem is gone. They can ask the judge for normal time.

11. What if my child seems unsafe now?
Talk to a lawyer. You might need to show the judge proof of the risk now, like the video What to Do if a Child is at Risk During Visitation? shows.

12. Should I get a lawyer?
Yes, these cases are hard. A Michigan family lawyer can help protect your child.

Get Help with Your Case

Talk to Our Team: Do you have questions about watched time? Or other family law things in Michigan? Call Goldman and Associates. We can help you know your choices.

How to Reach Us: Call or text us at (248) 590-6600. You can set up a free talk online. Or visit ChooseGoldman.com to learn more.