Have you or the other parent’s time with the children been ordered to be supervised? If so, the following explains how the supervised parenting time process works in Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan.
HOW DO YOU REQUEST SUPERVISED PARENTING TIME?
One parent will be required to file a motion with the court requesting the judge enter an order requiring the other parent’s parenting time be supervised at an agency. If the judge agrees with your request, an order is prepared by the judge.
WHAT AGENCIES ARE AVAILABLE IN GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN?
In Kent County, there are two supervising agencies: Journies, Inc. and Safe Connections. Either parent may request either agency. Or, either parent may request both agencies be used simultaneously. If both agencies are used simultaneously, then the parent with supervised visits may exercise parenting time at each agency, each week.
JOURNIES, INC.
If you are referred to Journies, Inc., your parenting time will be for one hour every week, depending on the availability of the parents and Journies, Inc. Payment for these visits can be assisted with the use of a grant. However, the judge must sign an order of “Access and Visitation Grant”, authorizing the grant to be used. The grant will pay up to $800, if funding is available. Payments for visits can be court ordered as follows:
- $30 per hour from either parent, with $30 per hour from the grant
- $15 from each party and $30 from the Grant
- Other: whatever the judge believes to be appropriate
If grant funding is no longer available, payment will be as follows:
- 100% payment from father
- 100% payment from mother
- 50% from each party
SAFE CONNECTIONS
If you are referred to Safe Connections, all supervised parenting time will be according to the frequency and direction determined by the YWCA (typically one hour each week). Application of a sliding fee schedule will be applied by the YWCA to determine the cost of this service, to be paid in advance of each parenting time session. Safe Connections will work with both parties to determine the parenting time schedule based on the availability within the program schedule.
Safe Connections also offers safe exchanges for parenting time, meaning they assist in the exchange process for the purpose of keeping all parties safe during the exchanges of the child(ren).
ARE THERE OPTIONS FOR SUPERVISED PARENTING TIME?
Yes, you can ask the court to grant your request for supervised parenting time. However, supervised parenting time doesn’t have to be at an agency. You and the other parent can agree on a supervisor such as a family member, or mutual friend, and then all parenting time would be supervised by the selected third party. This saves you and/or the other parent from paying an agency to supervise the visits. And using a family member or friend allow for flexibility for the parent in visitation days and times.
If you believe supervised parenting time should be ordered in your case, contact Schmitt Law, PLLC to discuss your concerns.
HELPING FAMILIES MOVE FORWARD.
GRAND RAPIDS COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE ATTORNEY SERVING KENT, OTTAWA, AND ALLEGAN COUNTY.
When confronted with any family law matter, there are personal and financial issues unique to each individual and family. In an effort to achieve the best possible outcome, we are committed to providing you with accurate information, outlining your options and providing thorough, effective and efficient representation. At the initial consultation, we will seek to understand your personal needs and your family’s needs, to help you move forward.
To discuss your circumstances and legal options, contact Schmitt Law, PLLC at (616) 608-4634 to schedule a consultation. Or contact us online to arrange a consultation. Our office is located at 401 Hall Street SW, Suite 112D, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
