Where the request happens

Supervised visitation orders in Georgia are issued by the Superior Court of the county where the family law case is venued. For most of metro Atlanta, that's Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, or Gwinnett County Superior Court. The request is typically made as part of an existing case — a divorce, legitimation (paternity), or a petition to modify an existing parenting plan.

The basic legal framework

Georgia courts begin with the presumption that contact with both parents is in the child's best interests (see OCGA § 19-9-3 and related statutes). To restrict that contact to supervised visitation, the court generally needs evidence supporting the restriction — under the best-interests factors at OCGA § 19-9-3, the family violence provisions at OCGA § 19-9-7, or a modification petition under OCGA § 19-9-3(b).

Supervised parenting time is one of several restrictions the court can place on parenting time. The procedural rules are governed primarily by the Uniform Superior Court Rules of Georgia and the local rules of the county where the case is venued. For more on the statutes, see our overview of OCGA Title 19.

This page is not legal advice TruVisit Atlanta is a supervised visitation provider — not a law firm. Every case is different. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed Georgia family law attorney. The information on this page is educational only.

Step 1 — Identify the right motion or petition

  • No case open yet — File the underlying action (Complaint for Divorce, Petition for Legitimation, etc.) and include a request for supervised parenting time in the relief sought.
  • Case open, no parenting order yet — Request supervised visitation as part of your proposed Temporary Orders or the proposed Parenting Plan submitted to the court.
  • Existing parenting order needs to change — File a Petition to Modify Custody and/or Parenting Time. Georgia requires a "material change in circumstances" affecting the welfare of the child to modify.
  • Emergency situation — File for Temporary Restraining Order or Emergency Custody. Georgia courts can act quickly when there's evidence of immediate danger to the child.

Step 2 — Gather your evidence

The strength of a supervised visitation request depends almost entirely on the evidence you can present. Useful evidence categories:

  • Police reports involving the other parent
  • Family Violence Protective Orders (active or historical)
  • DFCS (Division of Family & Children Services) records
  • Medical or therapy records (for the child, where appropriate)
  • Drug or alcohol test results
  • Text messages, voicemails, or emails showing concerning behavior
  • Witness affidavits
  • Photographs or video documentation, where relevant
  • Criminal records — public records or self-reported

Step 3 — File the request

File the relevant motion or petition with the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where the case is venued. Filings can be done in person, by mail, or through the PeachCourt e-filing system (Georgia's statewide e-filing platform). Pay the filing fee (or apply for a fee waiver if eligible).

Properly serve the other parent — this is procedurally important. A Georgia-certified process server can ensure service is done correctly.

Step 4 — Prepare for the hearing

The court will set a hearing. Bring everything: your evidence, any witnesses, and ideally counsel. Be specific in your request:

  • What conditions of supervised visitation are you asking for? (Duration, location, frequency, who supervises)
  • What restrictions on contact between visits? (No phone calls, no overnight, etc.)
  • What "off ramp" is appropriate — what would need to happen to graduate to unsupervised parenting time?

Step 5 — If the court orders supervised visitation

Once you have an order, you can engage a supervised visitation provider. TruVisit Atlanta activates most cases within 48–72 hours of intake. Have the signed court order ready when you call.

What if I'm the parent being subjected to supervised visitation?

You have the right to be heard. You can:

  • Oppose the motion with your own evidence
  • Propose less-restrictive alternatives (monitored exchange, drug testing, parenting class completion)
  • Propose a specific provider, location, or schedule
  • Request that supervised visitation be time-limited with clear graduation criteria

Many supervised visitation arrangements result from a stipulated agreement between both parents — not a contested fight. A well-structured stipulation can often produce a better outcome for everyone than a contested hearing.

Frequently asked questions

How quickly can a Georgia court order supervised visitation?
In an emergency, the court can issue temporary orders within days. In a non-emergency, you'll typically wait weeks to months for a hearing. Once the order is signed, TruVisit Atlanta can activate most cases within 48–72 hours of intake.
Do I have to have an attorney to request supervised visitation?
No. You can file pro se. That said, family court is procedurally demanding and the cost of getting it wrong is high. Most parents who can afford counsel benefit from having one.
How long until the supervised visitation order can be modified?
Under Georgia law, you generally need to show a material change in circumstances since the prior order. Supervised visitation orders can also include built-in graduation criteria — e.g., "after six months of consistent visits, the parties may move to unsupervised parenting time."
Can the other parent refuse to comply with the order?
Refusing to comply with a Georgia court order is contempt of court, which can carry serious consequences. If a parent refuses to participate in court-ordered supervised visitation, the appropriate remedy is to bring it back before the court — typically via a Motion for Contempt or a Motion to Enforce.