Temple Visitation Lawyer

Protecting and Enforcing Your Parental Rights in Texas

When parents separate or divorce, maintaining a healthy and consistent relationship with their children remains a top priority. For the noncustodial parent, visitation rights provide a legal path to ensure that parent-child bonds are preserved. As a trusted Temple visitation lawyer, The Law Offices of Michael F. White, P.C. is committed to helping parents assert, defend, and enforce their rights to meaningful time with their children under Texas law.

Understanding Visitation Rights in Texas

In Texas, visitation is formally referred to as “possession and access.” It refers to the legally defined right of a parent who does not have primary custody (the “noncustodial parent”) to spend time with their child. The Texas Family Code presumes that children benefit from regular contact with both parents, and courts are guided by the best interests of the child when making visitation decisions.

• Possession and access schedules can be determined in several ways:
• By mutual agreement between the parents, subject to court approval
• Through a Standard Possession Order (SPO), which outlines a default schedule
• By a customized order tailored to the family’s specific needs

Whether you are negotiating a new visitation agreement, modifying an existing order, or enforcing your rights, having an experienced Temple visitation lawyer on your side is critical.

To speak with our experienced Temple visitation lawyers, call us at (254) 206-3500 or contact us online today. 

Standard Possession Orders (SPO)

Texas courts typically begin with the Standard Possession Order as a guideline for visitation. The SPO outlines the minimum visitation time for the noncustodial parent, which generally includes:

• First, third, and fifth weekends of each month
• Thursday evenings during the school year
• Alternating holidays
• Extended time during summer break

The SPO may vary depending on the age of the child, distance between the parents’ residences, and other relevant factors. Courts can also modify the standard schedule if one parent demonstrates that it is not in the child’s best interest.

Our legal team can help you evaluate whether the SPO is appropriate for your situation or if a customized plan is more suitable.

Customized Visitation Schedules

While the SPO provides structure, many families require more flexible arrangements. Courts are open to approving customized visitation schedules if both parents agree or if one parent presents a strong case for an alternative arrangement.

• Custom schedules are often used in cases involving:
• Parents with nontraditional work schedules (e.g., military, healthcare)
• Young children with specific developmental needs
• Long-distance parenting arrangements
• Children with special medical or educational requirements

We work with clients to draft clear, enforceable visitation agreements that reflect the unique dynamics of their family life.

Modifying Visitation Orders

Life changes. Changing employment, relocating, remarriage, or the child's changing needs may make visitation schedules that worked well during divorce impractical. In such cases, either parent can petition the court to modify the visitation order.

To successfully modify an order, the requesting parent must show:

• A material and substantial change in circumstances, and
• That the modification is in the best interest of the child

Examples of qualifying changes include:

• A parent moving a significant distance away
• A change in the child’s school or extracurricular commitments
• A parent’s inability to comply with the existing schedule due to job changes
• A child’s preferences (depending on age and maturity)

As your Temple visitation lawyer, we will evaluate your circumstances, file the appropriate legal documents, and advocate for a revised schedule that works for your family.

Enforcement of Visitation Rights

The aggrieved parent may pursue legal action if the other parent denies court-ordered visitation, refuses to return the child, or interferes with scheduled time. Texas courts take visitation violations seriously and may issue remedies such as:

• Make-up visitation time
• Fines or court sanctions
• Modifications of custody or visitation orders
• Contempt of court charges, which may include jail time

Whether you are seeking enforcement or being accused of violating an order, The Law Offices of Michael F. White, P.C. provides skilled legal representation to protect your rights and ensure your voice is heard in court.

Grandparent and Third-Party Visitation

In certain circumstances, grandparents or other third parties may petition the court for visitation rights. While Texas generally gives deference to a parent’s decisions, the law allows for limited third-party access if:

• Denying visitation would significantly impair the child’s physical health or emotional well-being, and
• The petitioner can demonstrate a longstanding, positive relationship with the child

These cases are often complex and require strong legal advocacy. Our firm can help you evaluate whether third-party visitation is possible and guide you through the legal process.

Visitation and Family Violence

Texas law prioritizes the safety of children and parents in all visitation matters. If there are allegations or a history of domestic violence, courts may:

• Restrict or supervise visitation
• Order no contact between the child and the abusive parent
• Require completion of parenting or anger management programs
• Impose protective orders

If you are concerned about the safety of your child or are facing unfounded allegations of abuse, we provide aggressive and compassionate representation to ensure your rights and your child’s well-being are protected.

Why Work with a Temple Visitation Lawyer?

Navigating visitation issues requires more than just knowledge of Texas law—it requires experience, negotiation skill, and a deep understanding of how family courts operate. The Law Offices of Michael F. White, P.C. offers:

• Strategic advice tailored to your specific family situation
• Clear and enforceable agreements that reduce future conflict
• Strong courtroom advocacy when disputes cannot be resolved outside of court
• Responsive communication so you’re never left in the dark

Whether you are establishing visitation rights for the first time, seeking a modification, or addressing violations, we’re here to guide you through each step with clarity and commitment.

Contact a Temple Visitation Lawyer Today

Every child deserves meaningful time with both parents, and every parent deserves a fair opportunity to be part of their child’s life. If you need help with a visitation matter in Temple or the surrounding areas, contact The Law Offices of Michael F. White, P.C. today to schedule a consultation and protect your parental rights.

To speak with our experienced Temple visitation lawyers, call us at (254) 206-3500 or contact us online today.