In 2025, Houston family court judges are making it clear: parenting time violations will no longer be tolerated as minor oversights or informal disputes. Courts are treating repeated violations of visitation orders with increased seriousness, emphasizing the importance of consistency and compliance in shared parenting arrangements.
For parents navigating co-parenting in the aftermath of a divorce or custody case, this shift has real consequences. Judges are cracking down on missed handoffs, denied visits, and manipulative scheduling tactics—recognizing that these actions can harm a child’s stability and the parent-child relationship.
At Daniel Ogbeide Law, we’ve seen firsthand how much more proactive the courts have become, and we’re helping parents understand their rights, protect their parenting time, and respond effectively when violations occur.
Why Parenting Time Violations Are Now a Bigger Deal
Family courts have always had mechanisms in place to address violations of custody and visitation orders; however, enforcement was often slow and lenient until recently. That’s beginning to change. Judges are now treating parenting time as a serious legal obligation—not a flexible suggestion.
This is partly due to growing awareness of how inconsistent visitation affects children’s emotional well-being. Texas courts, including those in Harris County, are increasingly guided by one central principle: the best interest of the child. That includes maintaining a stable, meaningful relationship with both parents whenever possible.
Suppose one parent begins denying the other access to the child, even subtly or occasionally. In that case, it’s seen as a potential form of emotional manipulation, and judges are stepping in faster and more firmly than in years past.
What Qualifies as a Parenting Time Violation?
As family law attorneys in Houston, we’ve helped clients address a wide range of parenting time disputes. Violations can be obvious or subtle, but they all interfere with a parent’s legal right to spend time with their child.
Common violations include:
- Denying scheduled visitation without a court-approved reason
- Refusing to return the child at the end of a visit
- Repeatedly showing up late to drop-offs or pickups
- Interfering with communication (calls, texts, virtual visits)
- Planning conflicting events to block scheduled parenting time
These violations may seem small at first—but when they become a pattern, they can justify legal intervention. We often advise clients to work with a child visitation lawyer or enforcement attorney to document violations and prepare a formal response through the court.
Judges Are Watching for Patterns
It’s important to understand that one missed visit may not spark court action. However, judges are now far more focused on identifying ongoing patterns of denial or obstruction.
They are also reviewing communication logs, emails, texts, and even location history to evaluate claims of interference. Parents who knowingly and repeatedly disrupt visitation—without attempting to modify the order legally—may face:
- Fines and penalties
- Make-up visitation time
- Contempt of court charges
- Temporary or permanent modifications to custody
That’s why working with a knowledgeable family law and litigation attorney is crucial. We help clients compile compelling evidence that clearly shows a pattern of noncompliance and positions them to take effective action.
Enforcement Tools Are Being Used More Frequently
We’ve noticed a growing number of parents filing Motions to Enforce visitation in 2025. Judges are now more responsive to these motions—especially when the filing parent has made an effort to communicate and resolve the issue outside of court first.
Texas family courts have enforcement tools that include:
- Court-ordered makeup time
- Attorney’s fees reimbursement
- Modification of existing orders
- Criminal contempt in extreme cases
If the violations are severe or if the child’s well-being is at risk, judges may even reassign primary conservatorship. These outcomes show how essential it is to act quickly and legally when your parenting time is denied.
How We Help Parents Protect Their Rights
At Daniel Ogbeide Law, we understand how devastating it can be to lose time with your child. Our team of child custody lawyers and child visitation attorneys works directly with clients to take swift, strategic action.
Here’s how we help:
- We assess the current order and determine if a violation occurred
- We gather communication and documentation that supports your case
- We send legal notices or warnings before filing with the court
- We file Motions to Enforce or seek emergency modifications if needed
We also represent parents accused of violations, helping them present their side of the story—especially in cases involving CPS involvement, emergencies, or misunderstanding.
When Mediation Still Works
Not all visitation disputes need to end up in court. For some families, we can help resolve conflict through negotiation or mediation. Our family lawyers and property division mediation attorneys often work with both parties to craft clearer, more flexible schedules that reduce confusion and prevent future violations.
However, mediation is only an option when both parents are willing to communicate in good faith. If violations continue after mediation, we’re fully prepared to escalate the matter in court.
How This Shift Affects Common Law and Contested Divorce Cases
In common law divorce and contested divorce cases, judges are especially cautious when crafting initial parenting plans. They are more likely to include detailed possession schedules, communication protocols, and conflict resolution clauses up front.
This shift helps prevent future violations by clarifying expectations early in the process. Our team of contested divorce attorneys in Houston ensures these provisions are drafted, enforceable, and focused on long-term stability for the children involved.
What to Do If You’re Experiencing Visitation Issues
If your ex is violating your court-ordered parenting time, don’t wait. Start by:
- Documenting every violation (dates, times, missed visits)
- Saving all texts, emails, or voicemails that show interference
- Reaching out to our family law team to review your legal options
It’s important not to retaliate or violate the order yourself. Instead, let us help you file the right motions and show the court that you are focused on what’s best for your child.
We also advise parents who are accused of violations to seek legal counsel immediately. Many violations stem from miscommunications, confusion about the schedule, or misunderstandings about the order’s terms. With proper representation, these issues can often be resolved before penalties are issued.
The Bottom Line
Parenting time isn’t just a guideline—it’s a right protected by the court. And in 2025, Houston family court judges are showing they won’t tolerate repeat violations.
Whether you need help enforcing an order, defending yourself against a complaint, or updating your current schedule to reflect new realities, we’re here to help.
Let Daniel Ogbeide Law Help You Enforce or Defend Your Parenting Rights
At Daniel Ogbeide Law, we take parenting time seriously—because we know the courts do, too. Our experienced child visitation lawyers in Houston, enforcement attorneys, and family law and litigation lawyers in Houston understand how to protect your relationship with your child and ensure that court orders are respected.
Whether you’re pursuing enforcement or responding to an accusation, we will guide you through the process with compassion, strategy, and urgency. Your child’s future—and your time with them—matters.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward protecting your parenting rights.