How to Establish Visitation in Texas with Your Children

When parent separate, it becomes necessary to determine how the parents will co-parent. Developing a parenting plan that established that establishes a visitation schedule by the non-custodial parent is part of that plan.

Visitation Rights

Parents are fortunate in Texas because the courts strive to enable them to remain active in their child's life. This commitment means that even if one parent is appointed as the primary conservator of the child, there is a good possibility that the other parent will have ongoing visitation rights in Texas. The only real exception to this is when the non-custodial parent is suspected of abusing the child. In other cases, where the court believes that both parents are capable of acting in the child's best interests, visitation will be ordered.

Visitation Schedule

The parent who provides a primary residence for the child is called the "custodial parent." The child will spend the majority of their time with this parent. Non-custodial parents have visitation rights. Rights for visitation in Texas can be quite flexible, especially when the parents agree on a parenting plan. As long as the court decrees that a parenting plan is in the child's best interests, the arrangement will be approved. That agreement by the court means that the visitation plan can be as simple or complex as the parents may desire.

In the absence of a visitation schedule in the parenting plan, the court will enact a "standard possession" order. The standard possession schedule is codified in Texas laws, and it is specific. The non-custodial parent will have possession of the child each month on the first, third and fifth weekends. Visitation is stipulated to begin at six in the evening on Friday, continuing through six in the evening on Sunday. Thursday evenings between six and eight also are standard possession hours. The summer season has a bit more flexibility, with non-custodial parents being granted an additional 30 days of possession.

Parenting Plan

The best way to establish the right to visitation in Texas is through creating a reasonable, thoughtful parenting plan that is convenient for both parents and the child.  When couples fail to establish a workable visitation schedule in the parenting plan, the court will order that the standard possession rule comes into effect. Either way, a court order is required.

Fortunately, the courts recognize that situations and circumstances change. As the child gets older and begins making more independent choices, it may be necessary to modify the visitation agreement. A modification is best is best accomplished by working with the court system.

Want to Establish Visitation in Texas with Your Children?

Text or call the America Family Law Center to learn more about visitation rights in Texas.

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