Supervised Visitation in California

What California law says about supervised visits, where the family courts are, and how to find a verified provider or get notified when one joins.

California supervised visitation laws

California has detailed statewide rules for supervised visitation providers. Family Code §§ 3200 and 3200.5 and Standard 5.20 of the Standards of Judicial Administration set qualifications, training, background checks and reporting duties.

• Professional providers need 24 hours of training, a Live Scan background check and TrustLine registration, and paid court-ordered monitors are mandated reporters (Fam. Code § 3200.5; Penal Code § 11165.7(a)(30))
• Professional providers sign Judicial Council form FL-324(P) and prepare a written contract that the parties sign before visits begin
• Where a protective order restrains a parent, courts must consider whether that parent's visitation should be suspended, denied or limited to the presence of a third person (Fam. Code § 3100(b))

Reference: Cal. Fam. Code §§ 3100, 3200, 3200.5; Std. 5.20.

Key rules for supervised visits in California

Yes. Family Code § 3200.5 and Standard 5.20 set provider qualifications (for professional providers: age 21 or older, Live Scan background check, TrustLine registration and no conflicts), 24 hours of training for professional providers, written contracts signed before visits begin, ratios and written reports. Professional providers sign Judicial Council form FL-324(P).

General information only, not legal advice. Laws change, and this information may be incomplete, out of date or wrong. Confirm it with a licensed attorney in your state before you rely on it.

Family court guides in California

• Los Angeles Superior Court
• San Diego Superior Court
• Orange County Superior Court
• Riverside Superior Court

Counties in California

• Los Angeles County
• San Diego County
• Orange County
• San Francisco County
• Alameda County
• Sacramento County
• Santa Clara County
• Riverside County

Frequently asked questions about supervised visitation in California

What is supervised visitation?

Supervised visitation (also called monitored visitation) is a court-ordered arrangement where a parent's contact with their child is monitored by a neutral third party. This ensures the child's safety while maintaining the parent-child relationship during custody disputes, divorce proceedings, or child protection cases.

Who can be a supervised visitation monitor?

A supervised visitation monitor can be a professional supervisor trained in child development and family dynamics, a court-approved visitation center, or sometimes a trusted family member or friend approved by the court. Professional supervisors provide detailed court-ready documentation of each visit.

How much does supervised visitation cost?

The cost of supervised visitation varies by location and provider. Rates are set by each provider. Some courts and nonprofit visitation centers offer reduced fees. MyVisitLink shows each provider's rate so you can compare options in your area.

How long does supervised visitation last?

Supervised visitation is typically temporary. Courts review the arrangement periodically and may transition to unsupervised visitation once the concerns that led to the order have been addressed. What is required depends on the court order.

What happens during a supervised visit?

During a supervised visit, a trained monitor observes the parent-child interaction at a safe, neutral location such as a park, community center, or visitation facility. The supervisor ensures the child's safety, documents the visit, and prepares a court-ready report detailing the interactions observed.

Can supervised visitation be ordered in a divorce?

Yes, supervised visitation is commonly ordered during divorce and child custody proceedings when the court has concerns about a parent's ability to provide a safe environment. Reasons may include domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health issues, or a parent being largely absent from the child's life.

How do I find a supervised visitation supervisor in California?

You can find verified supervised visitation supervisors in California through MyVisitLink. Browse profiles, check availability, compare rates, and book sessions online. Every provider verifies their identity before they can be booked, and many show credentials, insurance and training documents on their profile.

What are the supervised visitation requirements in California?

Supervised visitation requirements in California are set by the family court based on the child's best interest. Your court order and local court rules set the specific requirements for your case.