Judge Will Order Unsupervised Visits for Thomas in November
A California court order allows Derek Richard Thomas unsupervised time with his daughter starting November 6.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Child Care
A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge has ruled that Derek Richard Thomas will be granted unsupervised visitation with his toddler daughter beginning November 6. This decision follows a contentious custody battle between Thomas and Rumer Willis, who previously challenged the transition.
Why it matters
The ruling marks a significant shift in the custody arrangement, moving away from supervised visits mandated by the court in June. The transition highlights the ongoing legal disagreement regarding the child's safety and parental access.
The toddler involved in the custody case is 3 years old, and court documents allege she was previously forced to walk two and a half miles while crossing a five-lane highway. The legal proceedings involve 38-year-old Rumer Willis and 40-year-old Derek Richard Thomas.
The players
Derek Richard Thomas
He is a 40-year-old parent involved in a high-profile custody dispute in California.
Rumer Willis
She is a 38-year-old actress and mother who has sought to maintain specific custody restrictions for her daughter.
Los Angeles County Superior Court
This judicial body oversees family law matters and custody arrangements within the county.
The details
Rumer Willis filed an emergency petition to block the shift, citing concerns over Thomas's judgment and parental history. Thomas, in turn, alleged that Willis has been preventing him from maintaining a relationship with his daughter.
Timeline
In June 2026, the court initially granted only supervised visits.
In August 2026, Rumer Willis sought to suspend visitation rights.
The new unsupervised visitation schedule takes effect on November 6, 2026.
Culture Shift
The transition to unsupervised visits reflects the evolving nature of high-conflict family law disputes where courts must balance parental access against claims of child safety. This decision represents a departure from the precautionary measures previously set by the bench.
The change in custody status alters the day-to-day care routines for the parties involved in the court order. Families navigating similar disputes in the California court system often face shifts in visitation rights as judges evaluate testimony regarding parental judgment and child well-being.
The takeaway
Custody disputes often hinge on the court's assessment of parental judgment and historical caregiving evidence. Parents involved in similar legal conflicts should keep detailed documentation to support their respective claims regarding child safety and visitation.
What happens next
The transition to the new unsupervised visitation schedule is set to begin on November 6, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the legal standards governing child custody, visit the California Child Care section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by RadarOnline.
