Child Visitation Lawyer Dallas, TX
At Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC, we understand how important it is for you to maintain a strong bond with your child, even when life’s circumstances change. Navigating child visitation and custody issues can be emotionally taxing, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you are struggling to reach an agreement regarding visitation, or if a current order isn’t working for you, we are here to help you protect your rights and fight for the time you deserve with your child.
Our approach focuses on building a plan that meets the best interests of your child while addressing the challenges you face as a parent. Whether you are negotiating visitation arrangements or enforcing an existing order, we are ready to guide you through the legal process every step of the way.
Types of Child Visitation Arrangements in Texas
Texas law encourages both parents to remain actively involved in their child’s life. When creating or modifying visitation schedules, the courts aim to promote a healthy and consistent relationship with both parents. The most common types of visitation arrangements include:
- Standard Possession Orders (SPOs): This is the most common type of visitation schedule in Texas, with weekends, holidays, and extended summer visitation assigned to the non-custodial parent.
- Expanded Standard Possession Orders (ESPOs): This arrangement gives the non-custodial parent more time, allowing for additional weekday and overnight visits.
- Supervised Visitation: In cases where the child’s safety is a concern, the court may order visits to be supervised by a third party.
- Custom Visitation Schedules: Some families choose to create unique schedules tailored to their specific needs, especially if parents live far apart or have non-traditional work schedules.
We take the time to understand your situation and help you determine the best arrangement for your family. If you need to create, modify, or enforce a visitation order, we are here to advocate for your parental rights.
Child Visitation Dallax, TX Infographic
How We Help You with Child Visitation Matters
At Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC, we believe in crafting solutions that work for both parents and children. Here’s how we can help:
1. Creating or Modifying Visitation Orders
Life circumstances change, and visitation schedules may need to be updated to reflect new realities. Whether you are establishing a visitation order for the first time or requesting a modification, we will help you create an agreement that meets your child’s best interests and fits your needs.
2. Enforcing Visitation Orders
If your co-parent is denying you access to your child, we can help enforce your visitation rights through the courts. We are committed to making sure you have the time with your child that the law guarantees.
3. Resolving Disputes Outside of Court
We understand that family conflicts are often emotional. Whenever possible, we encourage parents to resolve disputes through negotiation or mediation, which can result in a quicker, less stressful outcome for everyone involved.
4. Litigation When Necessary
If a fair resolution cannot be reached through negotiation, we are prepared to represent you in court. Our goal is to protect your parental rights and ensure that your child’s best interests are prioritized.
To ensure we address every possible concern and provide comprehensive representation, we also focus on:
- Parental Relocation Issues: If one parent wants to move out of state or far from the child’s current home, we can help you navigate relocation disputes and modifications to existing orders.
- Third-Party Visitation Rights: In some cases, grandparents or other relatives may seek visitation rights. We can help you understand your rights and obligations in these situations.
- Virtual Visitation Options: We help families explore virtual visitation solutions—such as video calls—to maintain relationships when parents live far apart.
- Emergency Modifications: If there are immediate safety concerns, we can assist with emergency modifications to visitation orders.
- Co-Parenting Plans: We guide parents in developing co-parenting plans to create consistency and minimize conflict in their child’s life.
FAQs About Child Visitation in Texas
1. Can visitation orders be changed?
Yes. Visitation orders can be modified if there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as a move, a change in work schedule, or safety concerns. We can help you request a modification through the court.
2. What happens if my co-parent refuses to follow the visitation order?
If your co-parent is not complying with the visitation order, we can help you file a motion to enforce the order. The court may impose penalties on the non-compliant parent.
3. How does the court determine a child’s best interests?
The court considers various factors, including the child’s age, emotional and physical needs, relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse or neglect. We will help you present a strong case that demonstrates your ability to provide a stable and supportive environment.
4. Can grandparents or other relatives request visitation?
In certain situations, grandparents or other relatives may seek visitation rights, especially if they have an established relationship with the child. We can advise you on your legal options.
5. Do I need a lawyer for child visitation issues?
While it’s possible to handle visitation matters on your own, having an experienced lawyer ensures that your rights are protected and that the process goes smoothly. We are here to provide the guidance and representation you need.
Dallas Child Visitation Glossary
At Brandy Austin Law Firm, our award-winning Dallas, TX, child visitation lawyer understands that child visitation is a critical aspect of family law. Child visitation determines how parents and guardians maintain relationships with their children after separation or divorce. The court establishes these arrangements based on the child’s best interests while considering the circumstances of both parents. Below, we have outlined key legal terms associated with child visitation cases in Dallas, Texas.
Visitation
Visitation refers to the scheduled time that a noncustodial parent or other authorized individuals, such as grandparents, spend with a child. The purpose of visitation is to maintain and strengthen the relationship between the child and the parent who does not have primary custody. Visitation rights are typically established through court orders, and the specifics of the arrangement depend on the best interests of the child. There are different types of visitation, including unsupervised visitation, supervised visitation, and virtual visitation, each tailored to the specific circumstances of the family. Courts may modify visitation schedules if there is evidence that the current arrangement is not in the child’s best interests.
Supervised Visitation
Supervised visitation is a court-ordered arrangement where a third party must be present while a noncustodial parent spends time with their child. This type of visitation is typically imposed in cases where there are concerns about the child’s safety due to substance abuse, domestic violence, neglect, or past abusive behavior by the visiting parent. The supervising party may be a professional supervisor, a court-appointed monitor, or even a trusted family member, depending on the court’s ruling. The goal of supervised visitation is to ensure the child’s well-being while allowing the parent-child relationship to continue. If the visiting parent demonstrates improvement over time, the court may reconsider and adjust the visitation terms.
Parenting Plan
A parenting plan is a legally binding document that outlines how divorced or separated parents will share responsibilities for raising their children. It typically includes details on visitation schedules, decision-making authority, communication guidelines, and conflict-resolution strategies between the parents. Parenting plans are essential in custody and visitation cases because they help establish clear expectations and minimize conflicts. Courts encourage parents to create these plans collaboratively, but if they cannot agree, a judge will determine the final arrangement based on the child’s best interests. Parenting plans can also specify how special occasions, such as birthdays and holidays, will be handled to ensure fairness and consistency for the child.
Noncustodial Parent
According to our Dallas child visitation lawyer, a noncustodial parent is a parent who does not have primary physical custody of their child but may still have legal custody or visitation rights. Even though the child does not live with them full-time, the noncustodial parent is often required to pay child support to contribute to the child’s upbringing. The extent of their involvement in decision-making about the child’s education, healthcare, and upbringing depends on the custody arrangement. Noncustodial parents have the right to request modifications to visitation schedules if there are significant changes in circumstances, such as relocation, work schedule adjustments, or concerns about the custodial parent’s ability to provide adequate care.
Joint Custody
Joint custody is a custody arrangement in which both parents share responsibility for raising the child. There are two main types: joint legal custody (both parents have the right to make decisions regarding the child’s upbringing) and joint physical custody (the child spends significant time with both parents). Joint custody arrangements promote co-parenting and encourage both parents to be actively involved in the child’s life. Courts prefer this arrangement when it is in the child’s best interest, as it allows for a balanced relationship with both parents. However, joint custody requires effective communication and cooperation between the parents to ensure consistency and stability for the child. If disputes arise, courts may appoint mediators or impose structured schedules to prevent conflicts.
Contact Us Today
If you need help with child visitation matters in Dallas, TX, contact us at Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC. We understand the challenges parents face when navigating visitation and custody arrangements, and we are committed to helping you protect your parental rights. Let us advocate for the time you deserve with your child and provide the support you need throughout the process. Call today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help.
