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You’ve waited years to reach that milestone birthday—your child turns 18. Suddenly, you’re wondering what that magic number means for your custody order. Do weekends at the other parent’s house still apply? Can your child say “no” to visitation now that they’re legally an adult?
At The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, we hear this question all the time: “Does my 18-year-old child still have to go with their other parent on weekends under the current custody order?” The short answer? No—not legally. But there are a few important caveats you need to understand to avoid conflict, confusion, or potential legal misunderstandings.
This blog breaks it all down. Whether you’re the primary conservator or the visiting parent, we’ll help you navigate this transition with clarity, compassion, and legal insight.
Key Takeaways
- In Texas, court-ordered visitation ends when the child turns 18 or graduates high school—whichever comes later.
- Once your child is legally considered an adult, they have the right to make their own decisions about where they spend their time.
- Custody orders don’t automatically update—communication between parents is essential to avoid future disputes.
- If issues arise after your child turns 18 (such as financial obligations or residency), you may need legal guidance on next steps.
When Court Orders Expire: Age 18 and Beyond
Under Texas law, child custody and visitation orders are enforceable only until a child turns 18 years old or graduates from high school—whichever occurs later. This means that if your child is already 18 but still in high school, the standard possession order (SPO) may still apply.
Once your child meets both milestones—turns 18 and finishes high school—the court no longer has authority to enforce a possession order. At that point, the child is a legal adult. They can choose whether or not they want to visit the other parent, and neither parent can legally compel or prevent them from doing so.
So if your 18-year-old has graduated high school? The visitation schedule is now optional—based on your child’s personal choice.
What If Your Child Still Lives at Home?
Things can get a little more complicated if your child is still living with one parent and attending high school past age 18. In this situation, Texas law generally still treats the existing custody order as active until graduation.
That means if your child is 18 and still enrolled in high school, the other parent may still be entitled to court-ordered visitation—unless your child explicitly refuses. And here’s the truth: while a parent technically can’t force an adult child to follow the order, trying to enforce or interfere with visitation at this age often causes more harm than resolution.
It’s important to approach this stage with cooperation and flexibility. Your best move? Talk to your child. Ask what they want—and respect their wishes as much as possible.
Can My Ex Force Our 18-Year-Old to Follow the Order?
No. After your child becomes a legal adult, your ex no longer has the legal right to demand compliance with a visitation schedule. Law enforcement and courts won’t enforce the order because it no longer applies to an adult.
That said, if your child is still financially dependent or living with a parent, tensions can flare up over time-sharing, especially if old routines or expectations haven’t been updated.
This is where a family-centered, forward-thinking approach can make all the difference. Instead of focusing on “enforcement,” focus on conversation. Help your child express their preferences and build a relationship with each parent based on respect, not obligation.
Should I Modify the Custody Order Now That My Child Is 18?
Once your child turns 18 and graduates, there’s usually no need to modify your existing custody order—it simply expires naturally. However, if you have multiple children and one of them has reached adulthood while others are still minors, it may be worth revisiting the order to avoid confusion.
You may also want to review any financial aspects tied to the order, such as child support. In Texas, child support typically ends when the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever is later—but sometimes payments continue unnecessarily unless formally terminated.
If you’re unsure about whether you need to update your court orders, the safest step is to speak with an experienced Texas family law attorney.
Navigating This Transition with Confidence
At The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, we’ve guided countless families through this exact turning point. The teen years are full of complexity—but they don’t have to come with legal headaches. Our goal is to help you move forward with peace of mind and practical next steps.
Whether you’re the parent your child lives with—or the one hoping to stay connected—we’re here to answer your questions, protect your rights, and support your family’s future.
Want to make sure you’re doing everything by the book? Schedule a free consultation with our office today and take the guesswork out of this next chapter.
Call (713) 701-9322 now to get started with your confidential, no-cost case evaluation.
Bryan Joseph Fagan is a respected child custody attorney based in Houston, Texas, with deep roots in Atascocita. As the first lawyer in a close-knit family that includes two adopted brothers, Bryan brings a personal connection to every family law case he handles. His early caregiving experience—supporting his grandmother through Alzheimer’s while attending night school at South Texas College of Law—shaped his unwavering commitment to helping families through life’s toughest transitions.
Now a father of three, Bryan’s real-world parenting perspective enhances his legal insight. He leads one of the most dynamic family law teams in Texas, with a particular focus on child custody, visitation rights, and protecting parental rights. From hotly contested custody battles to amicable co-parenting arrangements, Bryan and his team understand that at the heart of every case is a child who deserves stability, safety, and love.
As a certified member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, Bryan holds himself to the highest standards of legal excellence and continuing education. He is known for crafting innovative, effective legal strategies that reflect both the letter of the law and the emotional realities families face.
Bryan’s practice spans every aspect of Texas family law, including:
Custody and visitation disputes
Modifications and enforcement of existing orders
Complex divorce proceedings involving children
Adoption and paternity cases
Marital property agreements
Defense against false CPS allegations
Bryan is also an active member of the Houston Bar Association’s Family Law Section and participates in statewide legal groups committed to improving outcomes for Texas families. Whether negotiating a peaceful custody agreement or litigating in court to protect a child’s best interests, Bryan Joseph Fagan is a fierce advocate for parents and children across Texas.
