Texas’s Standard Visitation Order

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If you are going through a divorce involving children or having a child with someone to whom you are not married, you will need to hammer out a visitation schedule between the two of you that works for both of you. If you are unable to make this happen, the court will do so on your behalf, and it is very likely that you will receive a standard visitation order. An experienced Belton divorce attorney can help you better understand how these standard schedules work.

If You Live within 100 Miles of One Another

If the child in question is at least three years old and you and his or her other parent live within 100 miles of one another, there is a standard visitation schedule for the parent who is not the primary custodial parent (the parent with whom the children do not live the majority of the time).

Weekends

The schedule of the parent who is not the primary custodial parent includes the first, third, and fifth weekend (for those months that have a fifth weekend) of every month. This weekend schedule begins when school lets out on Friday (or at 6 PM) and ends at 6 PM on Sunday.

Thursdays

The schedule of the parent who is not the primary custodial parent includes from 6 PM to 8 PM (generally) every Thursday during the school year.

Minor Holidays

The schedule of the parent who is not the primary custodial parent includes from 6 PM to 8 PM on the child’s birthday. Further, fathers are awarded Father’s Day, and mothers are awarded Mother’s Day.

School Breaks

For even-numbered years, the schedule of the parent who is not the primary custodial parent includes the child’s spring break and Christmas break (until December 28). For these same years, the primary custodial parent has the children on Thanksgiving and for the rest of the Christmas break. For odd-numbered years, this arrangement is reversed.

Summer Break

The schedule of the parent who is not the primary custodial parent includes an additional 30 days during summer break.

Specialized Visitation Schedules

There are additional schedules that address special situations.

Parents Who Live More than 100 Miles Apart

For parents who live more than 100 miles apart, the parent who is not the primary custodial parent can keep the same weekend schedule as above or may reduce the number of weekend visits to one a month. This parent is also entitled to 42 days of visitation in the summer.

Parents of Children Who Are Not Yet Three

For parents of children who are not yet three, all of the following apply:

  • The court will create a modified visitation schedule that addresses the child’s needs and the primary custodial parent’s preferences.

  • The parent who is not the primary custodial parent will typically still be allowed overnight visits.

  • Once the child turns three, the standard visitation schedule will go into effect.

Consult with an Experienced Belton Divorce Attorney Today

Attorney Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Belton, Texas, is attuned to the complexities and importance of hammering out a favorable visitation schedule and is committed to using his impressive experience to help you do so. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us online or call us at 254-501-4040 today.
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