Visitation Rights in Texas: Advocating for Your Parental Access
At the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, we know how vital it is for parents to stay involved in their children’s lives. When custody is determined during a divorce or separation, it’s important to establish clear visitation rights—legally referred to in Texas as “possession and access”—to maintain strong parent-child relationships.
Understanding Visitation Rights in Texas
In Texas, the terms “possession” and “access” define a parent’s right to visit and spend time with their child. The court’s goal is to ensure that the child has frequent and continuing contact with both parents, provided it’s in the child’s best interest.
Typically, the parent with whom the child primarily resides is referred to as the custodial parent. The other parent is awarded possession and access (visitation), either through a standard or customized schedule.
Standard Possession Order (SPO)
Texas courts often implement a Standard Possession Order (SPO) that provides a consistent framework for visitation. For parents living within 100 miles of each other, the SPO generally includes:
- The first, third, and fifth weekends of each month
- Thursday evenings during the school year
- Alternating holidays
- An extended 30-day summer visitation period
If the parents live more than 100 miles apart, the SPO adjusts to include:
- One weekend per month
- Extended time during holidays and summer breaks
While the SPO is presumed to be in the best interest of the child, modifications can be made to fit a family’s specific needs.
Modified Possession Orders
Not every family fits neatly into a standard schedule. The court allows for Modified Possession Orders when parents agree on a different arrangement, or when a child’s age, school schedule, or special needs require more flexibility. These tailored schedules can address:
- Parental work hours
- Medical or developmental needs
- Travel distances
- Education and extracurricular activities
Our firm helps families create and negotiate these customized plans that prioritize the child’s wellbeing.
Enforcement and Modification
If a parent refuses to follow a court-ordered visitation schedule, legal action may be necessary to enforce the order. We assist clients in taking appropriate steps to hold the other party accountable and ensure compliance.
Life circumstances change. If your current possession and access schedule no longer works—due to relocation, changes in your child’s needs, or safety concerns—we can help you file for a modification.
Why Choose the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC?
Our team of Houston family law attorneys is dedicated to helping you maintain your role as an involved parent. We offer:
- Personalized legal strategies tailored to your situation
- A commitment to the best interests of your child
- Accessible legal support with offices across the Houston area
- Free educational resources, including eBooks and webinars
Schedule a Free Consultation
Whether you’re seeking to establish, enforce, or modify visitation rights, our legal team is here to help. Contact the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your time with your child.
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📞 Houston Office: 281-810-9760
📍 3707 Cypress Creek Parkway, Suite 400, Houston, TX 77068
