Understanding Visitation and Possession Orders: What Parents Need to Know~3 min read

When you’re going through a divorce or separation, visitation and possession orders are important to help maintain a strong relationship between you and your child. These orders, set by the court, determine when and how you can spend time with your child. Understanding how these orders work can help prevent misunderstandings and reduce conflict.

What Are Visitation and Possession Orders?

Visitation and possession orders are legal documents created by the court that outline when a parent can spend time with their child. The court issues these orders based on what’s best for the child. While visitation refers to the time a parent spends with the child, possession refers to the physical custody during that time.

In Texas, these orders are part of a parenting plan, which covers the custody arrangements, visitation schedules, holiday plans, and other important details. The plan also specifies how parents will communicate about the child and make decisions together.

Factors the Court Considers

The court’s main priority is always the well-being of the child. When making decisions about visitation and possession orders, the judge will think about factors like:

• The child’s age and emotional needs
• The relationship between each parent and the child
• Each parent’s ability to offer a stable environment
• The child’s opinion, if they are mature enough to express it (for example, older children may have a clearer idea of their preferences)

Texas courts typically want to create a plan that allows both parents to stay involved in the child’s life unless there’s a concern about safety or other serious issues.

How to Handle Visitation and Possession Orders

Understanding your visitation and possession order is key to making sure everything goes smoothly. Here are some tips to help:

• Stick to the schedule: It’s important for children to have consistency, so try to follow the visitation schedule as closely as possible.
• Communicate with your co-parent: Keeping a clear and respectful line of communication with your co-parent is essential to avoid confusion and conflict. Focus on what’s best for the child when discussing needs or changes.
• Be flexible: Life happens. Sometimes, it’s necessary to adjust the schedule. Being flexible helps both parents maintain a good working relationship.

What If You Need to Change the Order?

Life circumstances can change, and you may find it necessary to request a change to your visitation or possession order. If something significant happens, like a move or a change in the child’s needs, you can ask the court to modify the order. It’s important to approach this carefully, as the court will review whether the change is in the child’s best interest.

Contact Springer & Lyle

If you have questions or concerns about your visitation or possession order, or if you need to request a modification, the attorneys at Springer & Lyle are here to help. We’ll work with you to protect your rights as a parent while focusing on the well-being of your child. Contact Daniel Abasolo today at 940-387-0303 to schedule a consultation and get the legal support you deserve.

Springer & Lyle is located at 1807 Westminster, Denton, Texas 76205.