When a parent denies court-ordered visitation without legal justification, the consequences can be serious. In Texas, courts do not take visitation refusal lightly. Child custody arrangements—whether they’re part of a divorce, separation, or custody suit—are considered binding legal orders. Failing to follow them is more than just bad behavior; it’s a violation of the law.
At Daniel Ogbeide Law, we understand how emotionally charged custody issues can be. But we also know that enforcing a visitation order is crucial to preserving your child’s relationship with both parents and ensuring the law is respected. Whether you’re the parent being denied access or you’re facing enforcement action, we’re here to help.
What Counts as Visitation Refusal?
Visitation refusal happens when one parent actively prevents the other from seeing their child, even though a court order grants scheduled visitation rights. It can include:
- Failing to drop off or make the child available for scheduled visits
- Making the child unavailable through other means (e.g., travel, extracurriculars)
- Conditioning visits on the child’s wishes (which isn’t allowed unless stated in the order)
- Deliberately interfering with phone calls, video chats, or other communication
Refusing visitation—unless it’s due to a serious and immediate risk to the child—can result in legal consequences, including contempt of court.
What Texas Law Says About Enforcement
In Houston and throughout Texas, court orders involving custody and visitation are legally enforceable. If one parent refuses to comply, the other can file an enforcement action. This is where having an experienced enforcement attorney or child visitation lawyer becomes essential.
The court will evaluate the complaint and determine whether a violation has occurred. If so, the violating parent may face:
- Fines
- Jail time (in cases of repeated or severe violations)
- Make-up visitation time for the other parent
- Possible changes to the custody order
We’ve helped many parents enforce their rights through the family courts. Our family law and litigation attorneys understand how to present clear evidence, argue for your parental rights, and secure a favorable outcome.
What if You’re Accused of Refusing Visitation?
Sometimes parents are accused of denying visitation unfairly. In some cases, the child might be sick or have a legitimate conflict. Other times, there may be safety concerns that a parent believes justify their actions.
If you’re in this position, you need a strong legal defense. Courts expect parents to follow orders unless there’s a valid, documented reason not to. If you believe visitation endangers your child, the right step is not to violate the order—it’s to work with a child custody lawyer to request a modification.
We guide parents through these tough situations, protecting both their rights and their children’s well-being.
What Parents Should Never Do
Even if you’re frustrated with the other parent or worried about your child, withholding visitation is not the solution. Courts expect parents to act in good faith, even during high-conflict situations. Here’s what not to do:
- Don’t take matters into your own hands
- Don’t rely on your child’s opinion alone to determine visitation
- Don’t ignore a court order, even temporarily
Instead, talk to a family law attorney or child visitation attorney. We can help you take the right legal steps—from requesting enforcement to modifying an existing order—while keeping your child’s best interests at the center.
Visitation Refusal and CPS Involvement
In some cases, refusal of visitation may trigger involvement from Child Protective Services (CPS), especially if allegations of abuse or neglect are involved. Whether you’re being investigated or need to protect your child, you need a skilled CPS attorney or CPS lawyer who understands both the family court system and CPS procedures.
We have successfully represented parents in CPS-related matters, helping them maintain custody, protect their children, and resolve complex allegations with clarity and care.
How to Enforce Your Visitation Rights
If you’re being denied court-ordered visitation, don’t wait for things to improve on their own. Document every instance of refusal—texts, missed visits, and communications. Then speak to one of our family court lawyers or child visitation lawyers.
Here’s what enforcement typically involves:
- Filing a Motion for Enforcement– We help you prepare this legal document, outlining each violation.
- Gathering Evidence– We build your case using records, messages, and witness statements.
- Court Hearing– We represent you in court, where the judge can order make-up visits, impose penalties, or even modify the custody agreement.
We know how painful it is to be kept from your child. That’s why we act quickly and assertively to protect your rights.
When Custody Needs to Change
If visitation refusal is part of a larger pattern—like emotional manipulation, alienation, or ongoing contempt for court orders—it may be time to request a change in custody. In these cases, our contested divorce attorneys and family lawyers can help you present a strong case for modification.
Texas courts prioritize the child’s best interests. If one parent is repeatedly undermining the relationship with the other parent, a judge may find that a change in conservatorship is necessary. We’ve helped many parents make that case with confidence.
Why Legal Support Matters
Whether you’re navigating common law divorce, separated from your partner, or going through post-divorce issues, visitation disputes can easily escalate. Having an experienced family law attorney by your side makes all the difference.
At Daniel Ogbeide Law, we don’t just know Texas family law—we live it. Our team of family law and litigation lawyers in Houston is deeply familiar with the Houston courts, judges, and enforcement systems. We bring strategy, clarity, and compassion to every case we handle.
We also assist with related matters like postnuptial agreements, property division, and custody modifications, giving you a full-service legal team for all your family law needs.
Talk to Daniel Ogbeide Law Today
Don’t let visitation refusal go unchecked. Your child deserves to maintain a healthy relationship with both parents—and you deserve to see your child as ordered by the court. At Daniel Ogbeide Law, we stand up for fairness, stability, and your parental rights. Whether you need to file for enforcement or defend against accusations, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today to speak with an experienced child visitation lawyer or enforcement attorney who will put your family’s future first.