There are numerous forms of custody and visitation arrangements in Texas. Across the board, family courts prefer people sharing children work together and co-parent. When they cannot, the judge issues orders regarding essential decisions, such as custody and visitation rights. Sometimes, dedicated family attorneys need to get involved.
The non-custodial parent has legal rights and responsibilities to their children with or without a court order in place. Knowing your rights is the most effective way to protect them. When you are a parent engaged in visitation disputes of any kind, meet with an experienced Frisco visitation lawyer to learn more.
Parental conservatorship is essentially the same as custody in most other states. Parents can hold conservatorship jointly or solely, depending on a family’s circumstances. The court divides parental rights, duties, and responsibilities between parents with joint conservatorship. The term possessory conservatorship, or access, refers to visitation arrangements.
Unless parents negotiate and reach alternative agreements, family law in Texas provides for standard visitation schedules, including:
When co-parents live longer distances apart, there is an alternate schedule that includes fewer visits for longer time frames. Typically, the children spend more time with the non-custodial parent during winter, spring, or summer breaks from school. Every family’s situation is unique, but a Frisco visitation attorney could help draft a schedule agreeable to both parents.
Two people sharing children have rights and duties—even when there is no court order regarding custody and visitation. According to the Tex. Fam. Code § 153.073, both parents have the legal right to physical custody of the children. Other rights include:
Importantly, both parents have the responsibility to protect their children from neglect or abuse and support their children financially, including providing shelter, clothing, food, education, and medical care. Without a court order in place, both parents also have the right to regular visitation and equal rights to make important decisions regarding their children’s lives and futures.
When a court order is in place regarding custody and visitation, non-custodial parents still have rights. They have the legal right to know about decisions regarding education, health, and the welfare of their children at all times.
Further, they have the right to consult with the children’s medical care providers and school officials, including having access to their medical and educational records. A visitation attorney in Frisco could protect your rights and help reach a fair agreement in the children’s best interest.
Texas family law gives every parent in the state rights, regardless of the custody arrangement or visitation schedule. The custodial parent must adhere to the court order and respect non-custodial parents’ rights, or else face family court penalties.
A seasoned Frisco visitation lawyer could answer your questions and ensure you understand your legal rights. To get sound legal advice and protect your access to your children, call our firm today. Our compassionate legal professionals are ready to review your case and answer your questions immediately.
Our Law Firm’s approach to your case is based on individual circumstances. Whether it is a simple negotiated settlement, or it requires an aggressive approach, we will protect and defend your best interests.
