Supervised parent-time is ordered by the court

In Utah, supervised visitation — the courts call it supervised parent-time — comes from a court order, typically entered in a divorce, custody, or parentage case. Utah law presumes that parent-time with both parents serves a child's best interest, so a judge will restrict a parent's time to supervised conditions only when the evidence supports it: safety concerns, substance abuse, domestic violence, a long absence from the child's life, or similar circumstances.

Step 1 — Have an open family law case

Supervised parent-time is ordered inside an existing case. In Salt Lake County, family law cases are handled by the Third District Court — primarily at the Matheson Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City and the West Jordan courthouse. If you don't yet have a case open, that filing comes first. The Utah Courts' Self-Help Center and Online Court Assistance Program provide standardized forms and guidance for self-represented parents.

Step 2 — File a motion

The formal request is a motion (or a request inside your initial custody filing) asking the court to condition the other parent's parent-time on supervision. A strong motion typically includes:

  • A clear, factual description of the safety concern — dates, incidents, police reports, DCFS involvement, or treatment history where applicable
  • What you're asking for specifically: supervised visits, supervised exchanges, or both
  • A proposed provider, schedule, and location — judges respond well to workable plans
  • Supporting declarations or exhibits

Exaggeration hurts credibility. Utah judges see inflated claims regularly, and an unsupported request can damage your position in the wider custody case.

Step 3 — The hearing

The other parent responds, and the court holds a hearing — often before a domestic relations commissioner first in the Third District. The court may order supervision on a temporary basis while the case proceeds, refer the family to mediation or evaluation, or deny the request. In urgent situations involving immediate risk, Utah courts can enter orders on shortened timelines — talk to an attorney about whether your facts support that.

Step 4 — Naming a provider

Utah orders usually specify who may supervise: a professional provider, or a responsible adult approved by the court. If your order calls for professional supervision, TruVisit Salt Lake City can be written directly into an order or stipulation — attorneys name us because our reports are court-formatted, our supervisors are background-checked, and our flat pricing keeps compliance affordable.

If you've been ordered to supervised parent-time

If you're the parent whose time will be supervised: comply early and visibly. Choose a professional provider, attend every session, and let the objective reports build your record. Consistent, well-documented visits are the most common path back to unsupervised parent-time.

Getting started

Submit a case inquiry online — with or without a finalized order. A TruVisit Salt Lake City coordinator will review your situation, explain what your order requires, and activate most cases within 48–72 hours. We're glad to coordinate directly with your attorney.