Child visitation is often one of the most emotionally charged and legally complex aspects of a divorce. While asset division and support payments can be calculated with some objectivity, decisions about parenting time are deeply personal. At Daniel Ogbeide Law, we understand how important it is for parents to remain active in their children’s lives—even after separation. That’s why our child visitation attorneys help families in Houston create fair, workable, and legally enforceable visitation plans.
What Makes Visitation Such a Sensitive Issue?
Child visitation disputes often arise from fears, distrust, or conflicting schedules. Parents may worry about the child’s well-being, consistency of care, or losing influence in the child’s life. Others may feel resentment over the divorce or question the other parent’s parenting style.
Courts in Texas prioritize the best interest of the child standard when structuring visitation plans. But what qualifies as “best” can vary widely depending on the child’s needs, the parent’s availability, and any history of conflict or instability.
The Standard Possession Order in Texas
In many cases, courts rely on the Texas Standard Possession Order (SPO) to structure visitation, especially when parents cannot reach an agreement. The SPO provides a default schedule, generally giving the noncustodial parent:
- 1st, 3rd, and 5th weekends of the month
- Thursday evenings during the school year
- Extended time during holidays and summer vacation
While this schedule works for many families, it may not be suitable for all. When families have unique needs—such as a child with special medical conditions or parents with unusual work hours—modifications can be made. Our family law attorneys work with clients to customize arrangements that better reflect the realities of their lives.
Modifying a Visitation Plan After Divorce
Life doesn’t stop changing after a divorce is finalized. Relocations, new jobs, remarriages, and changes in a child’s needs can all require visitation adjustments. In Texas, a court will consider modifications to visitation schedules if there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances since the original order.
For instance, if one parent moves out of state or a child’s school schedule shifts dramatically, a revised plan may be necessary. A child visitation lawyer can help petition the court for these changes and ensure the new arrangement serves the child’s best interests while protecting parental rights.
When Visitation Becomes a Legal Battle
Unfortunately, not all visitation disputes are resolved amicably. If one parent repeatedly violates the schedule or denies the other parent access to the child, legal enforcement may be required. Our enforcement attorneys can assist with filing motions to enforce court orders, hold non-compliant parties accountable, and restore parenting time.
On the other hand, if concerns exist about a parent’s behavior—such as substance abuse or unsafe living conditions—the court may limit or supervise visitation. In high-conflict cases, we often coordinate with family court lawyers to propose supervised visitation or other safeguards.
The Role of a Child Visitation Attorney
At Daniel Ogbeide Law, we advocate for solutions that prioritize the child’s well-being while protecting our clients’ parental rights. Whether you’re in the middle of a divorce or seeking to revise a custody plan years later, our team brings compassion and strategy to every case.
As experienced family law and litigation attorneys, we help clients navigate:
- Creating initial parenting plans during divorce
- Enforcing existing visitation orders
- Seeking modifications in court
- Addressing relocation and long-distance parenting issues
- Managing supervised or restricted visitation circumstances
Our goal is always to reduce conflict and foster stable, consistent relationships between children and both parents.
Why Experience Matters in Visitation Disputes
Because every family is different, cookie-cutter solutions rarely work in visitation disputes. Legal guidance from an experienced child custody lawyer can help you prepare a compelling case backed by evidence, parenting history, and documentation. At Daniel Ogbeide Law, we understand how emotionally charged these proceedings can be—and we’re here to guide you through with clarity and compassion.
We also recognize that visitation and custody issues often overlap with other legal concerns, like property division or enforcement actions. That’s why our firm offers comprehensive support in family law cases, ensuring that all aspects of your case are handled with care and strategy.
Ready to Talk?
If you’re facing challenges around visitation—whether it’s creating a schedule, enforcing one, or requesting a change—don’t wait until the conflict escalates. The child visitation attorneys in Houston at Daniel Ogbeide Law are here to help you protect your rights and prioritize your child’s future. Let’s work together toward a fair and lasting solution.