Round Rock Visitation Lawyer

Understanding Visitation Laws in Texas

Visitation refers to a parent’s rights and obligations when they do not have custody of a child following a divorce or separation. Judges in these cases often work to determine a visitation arrangement that is favorable for both parents and the children, but multiple factors will influence the judge’s decision.

The Texas courts specifically define visitation in terms of access and possession. When deciding on child custody, you could either use a court-developed Standard Possession Order (SPO) or customize one to fit your family’s unique situation. In any case, before your possession order goes into effect, a judge will need to sign it.

Developing a Visitation Schedule

If you and your co-parent choose not to develop a custom schedule, the typical court-issued schedule tends to evenly distribute the time a child or children spend with both parents. However, equal time may not always be in the best interests of the children, depending on the situation. For instance, the court may issue supervised visitation for one parent if they have a history of domestic violence, substance abuse, neglect, or mental health issues that might otherwise pose a risk to the children.

To avoid potential complications when determining a visitation schedule, you should consult an experienced Round Rock visitation attorney who could help you navigate the legal process.

Possession and Access Responsibilities

At any given time, parents who have possession and access to their children have certain obligations regarding their care and well-being while spending time with them. For example, per the court order, the parent with possession needs to provide the children with sufficient financial support to cover fundamental needs, such as food and clothing. They must also protect and care for the children, including access to medical care if required.

The right visitation lawyer in Round Rock could assist with determining visitation and ensuring the judge makes the right decision for both the parents and children involved.

What Could an Attorney Do to Protect Your Visitation Rights?

To help with the divorce process and secure your ideal outcome when it comes to visitation in Round Rock, the following are some benefits of hiring a lawyer:

Collecting evidence, such as correspondence between a parent and child as well as medical records

Filing discovery motions to gather even more evidence from the other party

Negotiating visitation with your co-parent

Drafting an agreement that works for all parties involved

Providing legal guidance in court if needed

A skilled attorney could also help you with other family law and divorce matters as you navigate this difficult time.