Defenses to Guideline Parent-Time (Reasons for Restricting Parent-Time)

Be sure to identify the paragraph you are referring to.

For example:

• Paragraph 15 says Petitioner should have guideline parent time but it's in the children's best interest that Petitioner's parent time be supervised by a trusted third party mutually acceptable to both parties.

Whenever possible, use a real name instead of the word "Petitioner" or the word "Respondent."

For example:

• Paragraph 15 says John Doe should have guideline parent time but it's in the children's best interest that John Doe's parent time be supervised by a trusted third party mutually acceptable to both parties.

You will need to explain to the court why the parent time you've indicated is in the best interest of your children. Be specific about the facts.

For example:

John Doe has physically abused our children and should have parent time only in the presence of a trusted third party mutually acceptable to both parties.

• John Doe has sexually abused our children and should have parent time only in the presence of a trusted third party mutually acceptable to both parties.
• John Doe has physically abused me and/or others in front of our children and should have parent time only in the presence of a trusted third party mutually acceptable to both parties.
• John Doe mentally abuses our children and should have parent time only in the presence of a trusted third party mutually acceptable to both parties.
• John Doe drinks to the point of intoxication in front our children and should have parent time only in the presence of a trusted third party mutually acceptable to both parties.
• John Doe consumes drugs to the point of intoxication in front our children and should have parent time only in the presence of a trusted third party mutually acceptable to both parties.
• John Doe has been arrested for violent criminal activity in front our children and should have parent time only in the presence of a trusted third party mutually acceptable to both parties.
• John Doe has been arrested for criminal activity in front our children and should have parent time only in the presence of a trusted third party mutually acceptable to both parties.

John Doe has indicated that John Doe will take our children to John Doe's country and not return them.

• John Doe is not a citizen of the United States.
• John Doe has family and other ties with John Doe's home country.
• John Doe only has minimal ties to the United States.
• John Doe will take our children to John Doe's country and not return them.
• The only way to prevent John Doe from taking our children to John Doe's country is to have John Doe turn John Doe's passport into the court and not allow John Doe to obtain passports for our children or purchase tickets to travel for our children.