If you are the custodial parent, you may have more childcare responsibilities than the other party. Still, most child custody arrangements allow visitations, whether supervised or not. As the situation develops, there could be times when you feel like there are safety risks that become apparent during these visits. These hunches may make sense, but acting on them may cause you to infringe on the other party’s parental rights.
Balancing risks and rights
As a parent, it is reasonable to always be on the safe side, especially if your child’s safety is at risk. However, the other parent still has a right to visitation, specifically if a court order supports this requirement.
If you believe allowing your child to attend visitation is dangerous, remember that two factors should affect your decision: your duty to comply with a legal document and your responsibility to your child. You should also consider what penalties you could face after violating the order. It can be a form of interference, leading to contempt sanctions, such as fines and jail time.
Fortunately, there are also options for you to address safety risks even before the scheduled visit, such as reporting the issue to Child Protective Services (CPS) or the local authorities. You can also request a court order modification based on the circumstances.
Approaching child-related issues with caution
It can be easy to let your emotions get the better of you when facing legal issues concerning your child, but consider seeking legal guidance to dispel your worries. The most appropriate approach can vary according to the situation, whether modifying the court order or choosing a different option. In these instances, the best way to keep your child safe could be by receiving the legal knowledge you need to determine what to do next.