When parents separate or divorce, one of the most important issues to resolve is how much time each parent will spend with their children. In Texas, visitation—also called “possession and access”—is designed to ensure that children maintain strong relationships with both parents, even when they don’t live in the same household. A skilled Waco visitation rights lawyer can help protect your parental rights and ensure that your visitation arrangement reflects your child’s best interests.

To speak with our experienced Waco visitation rights lawyers, call us at (254) 220-4225 or contact us online today. 

Understanding Visitation Rights in Texas

Visitation rights in Texas are governed by the Texas Family Code. Courts generally presume that children benefit from having frequent and continuing contact with both parents. Unless there are serious safety concerns, noncustodial parents are typically granted visitation according to a Standard Possession Order (SPO) or a modified schedule tailored to the family’s needs.

Visitation rights can also apply to grandparents or other relatives under specific circumstances, though these cases have higher legal thresholds. Understanding your rights and the factors courts consider is essential to securing a fair arrangement.

Standard Possession Orders (SPOs) in Waco

The Standard Possession Order is the default schedule used in Texas. For parents living within 100 miles of each other, the SPO typically grants the noncustodial parent:

• The first, third, and fifth weekends of each month
• Thursday evening visits during the school year
• Alternating holidays
• Extended summer visitation

Parents can agree to modify this schedule, or the court can order a variation based on the child’s best interests. A Waco visitation rights lawyer can help negotiate or advocate for a schedule that works for your family.

Modifying Visitation Orders

Life changes, and so do family needs. Texas law allows parents to seek modifications to visitation orders when circumstances have materially and substantially changed since the last order. Examples include:

• A parent’s relocation
• Changes in a child’s school or health needs
• Concerns about a child’s safety or well-being

An attorney can help you file for a modification, present evidence to the court, and ensure that any new order reflects your child’s current best interests.

Enforcing Visitation Rights

Unfortunately, visitation disputes sometimes arise after an order is in place. A parent may deny visitation, fail to return the child on time, or refuse to follow the schedule. Texas courts take visitation orders seriously. If your rights are being violated, you may seek enforcement through legal remedies such as:

• Filing a motion for enforcement
• Seeking make-up visitation time
• Requesting contempt of court penalties for repeated violations

Having an experienced Waco visitation rights lawyer on your side can help you navigate the enforcement process and protect your relationship with your child.

Visitation and Child Safety Concerns

In certain cases, courts may restrict or supervise visitation to protect a child’s safety. This can happen if there are credible allegations of abuse, neglect, substance abuse, or other behavior that could harm the child. Restricted visitation might involve:

• Supervised visits at a neutral facility
• Limited duration or location of visits
• Requirements for counseling, drug testing, or other conditions

Courts prefer to allow parent-child contact whenever possible, but the child’s best interests remain the primary consideration. A Waco visitation rights lawyer can help you present evidence to support or challenge visitation restrictions.

Grandparents’ and Third-Party Visitation Rights

Texas law provides limited opportunities for grandparents and certain third parties to seek visitation. However, the legal standard is high; courts presume that a fit parent acts in the child’s best interest. Grandparents or other relatives must generally show that denial of visitation would significantly impair the child’s physical or emotional well-being.

If you are a grandparent or other caregiver seeking visitation in Waco, legal representation can help you meet the required evidentiary burden and present a strong case.

How a Waco Visitation Rights Lawyer Can Help

Working with an experienced attorney can make a substantial difference in the outcome of your visitation case. A lawyer can:

• Explain your rights under Texas law
• Help you develop a visitation plan tailored to your family’s needs
• Represent you in court hearings and mediations
• File and argue for modifications or enforcement of existing orders
• Protect your parental rights while prioritizing your child’s well-being

Because every family is unique, legal guidance tailored to your situation is essential. Whether you’re establishing an initial order, seeking modification, or enforcing your rights, skilled advocacy can provide peace of mind and clarity in a stressful time.

Why Choose the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard

As a Waco visitation rights lawyer, Brett H. Pritchard brings extensive experience in Texas family law and a deep commitment to helping parents and families navigate complex custody and visitation matters. Our firm provides strategic, results-driven representation, whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.

We work to develop clear, enforceable visitation orders that protect both your parental rights and your child’s best interests. With our knowledge of the Texas Family Code and local court practices, we can effectively guide you through every stage of your visitation case.

Speak with a Waco Visitation Rights Lawyer

If you are facing a visitation dispute, need to modify an existing order, or want to better understand your parental rights, the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard can help. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with an experienced Waco visitation rights lawyer.

To speak with our experienced Waco visitation rights lawyers, call us at (254) 220-4225 or contact us online today.