Child Visitation Rights in Texas: Understanding Your Options
Expert Guidance on Texas Child Visitation Laws
One of the most litigated issues involving children is the issue of possession and access, more commonly known as visitation. Visitation can be broken down into two categories: standard possession and custom orders.
A Texas standard possession order is deemed to be in the best interest of the child; however, it is becoming more common for parents to have a custom possession order that can be tailored to fit the needs of the non-custodial parent as well as the parent with custody (known as "conservatorship" in Texas).
Get help with a standard possession order in Texas. Contact us online or call Simple Texas Divorce at (940) 236-0972 today!
Understanding Standard Visitation Schedules in Texas
Under a standard possession order in Texas, if the parents live less than 100 miles apart, then the parent with whom the child(ren) do not primarily live (the non-custodial parent) typically has possession of the children on the first, third, and fifth weekends of the month, beginning on Friday at either the time school lets out or 6:00 p.m. and ending on Sunday at 6:00 p.m.
The non-custodial parent will also have child visitation every Thursday, beginning at either the time that school lets out or 6:00 p.m. and ending at 8:00 p.m.
If the parents reside more than 100 miles apart, then the non-custodial parent has the choice between the first, third, and fifth weekends of the month or one weekend per month.
Extended Visitation Options for Non-Custodial Parents
Many parents have chosen the option of having an Extended Standard Possession Schedule.
Under an extended standard possession schedule, the non-custodial parent can have visitation on the first, third, and fifth weekends of the month, starting on Thursday at either the time school lets out or 6:00 p.m. and ending on Sunday at 6:00 p.m. or at the time school resumes on Monday morning.
The parent would also have Thursday overnights on the weeks they do not have weekend visitation.
Planning for Holiday Visitation in Texas
Holidays are divided between the parents on an even/odd year basis. One parent will have Thanksgiving in even years and the other will have Christmas in even years, and then the parents switch for odd years. Holidays typically only cover Thanksgiving, Christmas, and spring break, but provisions can be included for every holiday.
If the parents reside less than 100 miles apart, then the parents typically rotate spring break on an even/odd basis. If the parents reside over 100 miles apart, the parent who does not have primary possession is awarded spring break every year.
Summer Visitation Guidelines for Texas Families
During the summer, the non-custodial parent is awarded 30 consecutive days in the summer and must provide notice to the other parent by April 1st of the 30 days they want, or it will automatically default to July 1-31st.
The primary parent (custodial parent) has the option of having a weekend visitation during the 30 days if they provide notice of the date by April 15th.
If the parents reside more than 100 miles apart, then the non-custodial parent is awarded 42 days in the summer. The parent must give notice of their 42 days (which can be broken up into two periods of possession) by April 1st, or it will automatically default to June 15th through July 27th.
The primary parent then has the option of having two non-consecutive weekend visitations during the 42 days if they provide notice by April 15th.
Need legal counsel? Discuss your visitation matters with a lawyer! Call (940) 236-0972 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
Special Visitation Considerations for Young Children
For children who are under the age of three, Texas allows for an “under-three provision” in possession schedules. This provision provides a “step-up” visitation schedule, which allows the non-custodial parent to have increased hours of visitation based on the child’s age, but no overnight visits until the child reaches the age of three. At that time, the non-custodial parent will have standard possession including overnight visitation.
Customizing Your Child Visitation Schedule in Texas
Many parents find that a standard possession schedule does not work for them for several reasons. Because of this, many develop a custom possession schedule that is tailored to fit their needs. Typically, parents will choose to have a week-on/week-off visitation schedule where each parent alternates possession every week.
Flexible 2-2-3 Custody Schedules for Texas Parents
Other parents choose to have a 2/2/3 custody schedule, where one parent has possession on Monday and Tuesday (2 days), the other parent has possession Wednesday and Thursday (2 days), and they alternate weekend visitations for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (3 days).
Possession schedules come in all shapes and sizes, so it really depends on which schedule works for you and for your child(ren).
Need help with your custom or standard visitation schedule in Texas? Call Simple Texas Divorce at (940) 236-0972 today!