PARENTS HAVE MANY QUESTIONS WHEN CONSIDERING VMS SERVICES
It is our goal to answer as many of them as possible so that you may make an informed decision about what services can meet your family’s needs. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions.
A Guardian Ad Litem is a person appointed by the Courts to represent the best interest of the child(ren) involved in a legal case. Our role is to gather information about the issues causing conflict between the parents and the source(s) of stress these issues may create on the child(ren). As GAL’s we typically interview and gather information from the parents, child(ren), teachers, pediatricians, therapist and support systems for the family. GAL’s make recommendations to the courts as to the best course of action to reduce or eliminate those conflicts/stress for the family. The GAL is the voice of the child(ren) and speaks on their behalf in court.
Because our supervised visitation services are truly customized for each family, prices vary depending on the needs of the case. Please contact us to discuss the specifics of your case and determine the fee schedule for your situation.
For Residential Parents:
- You and the non-custodial parent do not have to have any contact with one another at any time. Arrangements are made for services to occur without parties coming together before, during, or after the visits.
- You can relax and get time for yourself without fear or worry.
For Non-Residential Parents:
- Contact with your child(ren) can be maintained regardless of interpersonal problems you and the other parent are going through.
- You can enjoy time with your children without fear of allegations due to a professional, neutral observer documenting your interactions and accounting for your time together.
For the Children:
- Children are able to maintain a strong relationship with both parents, something that can be difficult when going through a family dissolution.
- Children come to anticipate their time with the non-custodial parent rather than dreading the conflict that can occur when their parents cannot get along during scheduled visitations.
The fact is, unless the courts restrict you from this option, you CAN use a friend or family member. However, it has been our experience that the following problems and issues arise from using this method of supervision:
- Parents cannot agree on a friend or relative that they both feel would be fair and trustworthy.
- The friend/relative does not adequately understand their role in supervising the contact between parent and child, or how/when to intervene if necessary. The friend/relative begins to feel used and the friendship/relationship becomes strained.
- The friend/relative becomes part of the visit, rather than just an observer, which can lead to the child(ren) becoming resentful over the interaction you may have with the friend/relative.
- The friend/relative is not able to maintain neutrality and “takes sides” with one parent, which compromises the integrity of the supervision services.
Monitored Exchange, or “Monitored Transfers” is the supervision of the transfer of child(ren) from the custody of one parent to another. The supervision is limited only to the exchange or transfer only, and ends when the parties leave the premises. The actual visitation time with the non-custodial parent is unsupervised. This service provides parties the ability to exchange custody of the child(ren) without having to come in direct contact with one another.