Supervised Visitation in Illinois: When Courts Step In and Why

 Posted on August 22, 2025 in Family Law

Illinois courts will virtually always encourage both parents to spend time with their children following a divorce. The courts believe that spending time with both parents is in the best interests of the child in almost every situation. In 2016, under Senate Bill 57, Illinois changed the terminology used in child custody cases. The state now refers to "visitation" as "parenting time," and "custody" is now referred to as the "allocation of parental responsibilities."

There are a few rare situations when the allocation of parental responsibility or parenting time determinations may come with some conditions. Supervised parenting time can be ordered in some circumstances, but it is never automatic. Illinois courts step in to request supervised parenting time only when there are serious concerns regarding the child’s safety and well-being. It can be beneficial to speak to a knowledgeable Plainfield, IL parenting time lawyer who can help you ensure your child’s best interests are being looked after.

What is Supervised Parenting Time?

While supervised parenting time is not explicitly defined in a single statute, 750 ILCS 5/602.7 and 750 ILCS 5/603.10 address supervised parenting time within the broader context of the allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time. These statutes refer to the court’s authority to impose restrictions on parenting time when necessary to ensure the child’s safety and well-being. Supervised parenting time is not the same as denial of parenting time, which typically refers to one parent refusing to allow a child to spend time with the other parent despite a court order.     

When is Supervised Parenting Time Ordered in Illinois?

The path to supervised parenting time often begins when one parent tells the court that he or she believes the child should not be allowed to spend unsupervised time with the other parent. Simply stating this is not nearly enough. The parent making the allegations must prove those allegations to the court. The court may determine that unsupervised parenting time would seriously endanger the child’s emotional, mental, or physical health if any of the following are true:

• There is a documented history of domestic violence, or a parent currently faces allegations of abuse.
• There is a history of substance abuse, the parent is not seeking treatment, and those issues could pose a risk to the child’s safety.   
• The parent has a diagnosed mental illness that could hinder his or her ability to care for the child.
• There is evidence of child neglect or other actions that could endanger the child’s well-being.
• A parent has threatened to "steal" the child and take him or her to another state or country.

Evidence of any of these issues must be presented for a judge to act on them. The documentation may include text messages, recordings, witness testimony, or expert witness testimony.

How Does Supervised Parenting Time Work?

If supervised parenting time is ordered, a child’s time with that parent will be overseen by a neutral third party. Sometimes this third party is a professional supervisor, while other times it is a court-approved family member. The supervisor observes the interactions between the parent and child to ensure the child’s safety and compliance with court orders. Supervision can occur in a neutral location like a family service center, at a playground or school, or in the parents’ home with the supervisor present.

Can Supervised Parenting Time Change?

Supervised parenting time is usually considered temporary, with the goal of transitioning to unsupervised parenting time at some point in the future. The court will periodically review the situation to determine whether supervised parenting time remains necessary. Parents who complete counseling, parenting classes, or treatment programs and who comply with court orders are more likely to eventually be given unsupervised parenting time.

Contact a Will County, IL Family Law Attorney

Although supervised parenting time is meant to protect children, it can feel overwhelming to a parent to have his or her parenting time supervised. A Joliet, IL parenting time lawyer from Reeder & Brown, P.C. can help you navigate supervised visitation orders and advocate for your parenting rights.  Our firm is committed to honesty, integrity, and delivering exceptional customer service. Call 815-885-5980 to schedule your free consultation.