A key concern when it comes to your child custody arrangements in a divorce, outside of divorce, or in a post-decree modification is parental visitation. This is addressed in the parenting time schedule, and unless there is a serious reason for ruling otherwise, parents are generally awarded shared visitation rights. Discuss your case with an experienced Round Rock visitation attorney today.   

The Standard Possession Order in Round Rock

When parents are unable to negotiate a parenting time schedule that addresses their unique scheduling needs, the court typically hands down a standard possession order (SPO). This amounts to a one-size-fits-most approach to parenting time, which may or may not be a good fit for your unique circumstances. 

When one parent takes on the primary custodial role, which involves having the kids for the majority of the time and determining where they make their primary home, the SPO includes the following basics:

• The noncustodial parent has the children on the first, third, and fifth weekend of each month.
• The noncustodial parent also receives visitation with the children for one weeknight evening per week during the regular school year. 
• SPOs also lay out the visitation schedule for holidays, spring break, and the summer months.

The bottom line is that the State of Texas is invested in children’s best interests. And this generally means maximizing the amount of time they spend with each parent.

Negotiating a Parenting Plan that Works Well for Your Family

You and your child (or children’s) other parent have the option of negotiating your own parenting plan, which you can design to address your unique scheduling needs. No one knows what’s best for your children and understands your family’s scheduling requirements the way you and your divorcing spouse do. Resolving the matter between yourselves can make a serious difference in terms of how well your visitation orders serve you into the future. 

Addressing Unique Scheduling Needs

On the path forward, you’ll turn to your respective visitation attorneys to help you draft visitation terms that make sense for you. For example, if one of you works irregular hours, such as medical professions and emergency services, you may need to get creative about devising a parenting plan that ensures consistent visitation.   

Exploring Your Options

If negotiating a mutually agreeable parenting plan becomes a sticking point between you and your divorcing spouse, your skilled visitation attorneys can negotiate on behalf of your respective rights. You can also take the matter to mediation, where a professional mediator will serve as a neutral third party who helps you and your ex or soon-to-be ex and your respective attorneys explore your best options.  

Turn to an Experienced Round Rock Visitation Lawyer for the Help You Need

Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard is a well-respected Round Rock visitation attorney who has a wealth of experience helping valued clients like you establish parenting time schedules that effectively address their concerns. Learn more by reaching out and contacting or calling us at 254-781-4222 today.