Parenting Time Schedules in The Woodlands

Child custody isn’t always a straightforward matter. In fact, it’s usually among the most difficult issues you’ll have to navigate upon the dissolution of the relationship with the other parent.

The courts always prioritize the best interests of the child, and this generally means that both parents get to spend time with the child according to a schedule.

Bolton Law in The Woodlands, Texas has helped countless families develop practical parenting time schedules, and structured plans for co-parenting their children that focus on issues like exchange times, holidays, weekend and weekday visits, birthdays, summer and spring breaks, and other important holidays and events in a child’s life.

If you weren’t awarded primary custody of your child, chances are you’re concerned about getting to have quality time with them. If this is the case, you should consult with a parenting time attorney to assist you with the development of parenting time schedules.

Our family lawyers in The Woodlands can help you navigate every step of the parenting time scheduling process. Call Bolton Law now at 281-351-7897 to find out how we can help.

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How Do Parenting Time Guidelines Work in Texas?

In Texas, the majority of standard possession orders give the non-custodial parent visitation:

  • On particular holidays
  • Each Thursday night
  • At least a month in the summer
  • On the first, third, and fifth weekends of every month.

It’s important to remember the court can alter the standard possession order if the judge believes it is not in the best interest of the child or if the child is younger than 3 years old. In cases like this, the court will decide on a parenting time schedule to meet the needs of the child.

Because the court has such discretion, it is important that you enlist a parenting time attorney at Bolton Law in The Woodlands to assure the interests of the child are safeguarded and that you are able to be a positive and supportive figure in your child’s life, even if you have not been granted primary custody.

What Are the Types of Parenting Time Guidelines in Texas?

In the state of Texas, visitation refers to the parent’s possession of and access to the child. Parents are granted possession and access unless a judge determines it is not in the best interest of the child. A Possession and Access Order (PAO) stipulates the parameters for a parent’s visitation rights. A PAO applies primarily to the non-custodial parent and outlines when, where, and how they will have access to their child moving forward.

There are two types of PAO, standard and non-standard:

Standard PAO

These include visitation times that are ordered by the court and encompass the following parameters that the custodial and noncustodial parent will have to follow:

  • Rotation on holiday visitations (birthdays, Christmas, spring break, etc.)
  • Noncustodial parents to get 42 visitations during school break/summer months
  • Instructions and restrictions when it comes to communication between the non-custodial parent and child. This includes text messages, phone, Skype, or other social platforms
  • Visitation for parents living less than 100 miles apart includes the 1st, 3rd, and 5th weekends of each month beginning at 6 p.m. each Friday and concluding at 6 p.m. each Sunday.
  • Visitation for parents living over 100 miles apart allows the non-custodial parent to select either the 1st, 3rd, or 5th weekend of every month beginning at 6 p.m. each Friday and concluding at 6 p.m. each Sunday.
  • Routine night visits on Thursday from 6-8 pm

Non-Standard PAO

This agreement notes communication, holidays, etc. but is there to accommodate special situations, distance, and other justifying factors. These may be used if parents have their own agreement but the court believes that their proposed arrangement isn’t in the child’s best interests.

parenting time schedules in The Woodlands Texas, parent and child figures on calendar

What Goes Into Creating Parenting Time Schedules in The Woodlands?

A parenting time schedule provides a structured plan for co-parenting. It focuses on issues like exchange times, holidays, weekend and weekday visits, birthdays, summer and spring break, and several other aspects of your child’s life.

Having set parenting time schedule helps define what is feasible for your situation. If you and your ex-partner work together, you may be able to come up with a flexible schedule that accommodates the needs and parenting time schedules of both parents.

This would allow you to get the child(ren) when it’s most convenient for you and could strengthen the bond you have with them. As you work to draft a parenting plan, disagreements about scheduling may arise. Enlisting the help of an experienced parenting time attorney will help you formulate parenting time schedules that works for your family’s unique needs.

Do I Need a Parenting Time Lawyer, and How Can They Help?

If you’re not on the same wavelength as the other party when it comes to agreeing on visitation and custody, the experienced family lawyers at Bolton Law in The Woodlands, Texas can assist you in comprehensively investigating all your choices before a final decision is made. The parenting time attorneys at Bolton Law are fully devoted to going over viable options with you to protect your parental right to remain in your child’s life.

Emotions are usually all over the place when it comes to deciding on parenting time. We at the Bolton Law firm in The Woodlands, Texas will ensure that your rights and those of your child aren’t infringed on. If you’re currently in the divorce process or you want a clearly defined parenting time schedules following your divorce agreement, you will greatly benefit from having a seasoned family lawyer in your corner.

Enlist Our Bolton Law Parenting Time Schedules Attorneys in The Woodlands, Texas Today!

At Bolton Law, we fully understand that there’s nothing as important as your child’s welfare. In a divorce or custody dispute, you shouldn’t agree on something that isn’t in your child’s best interest. It’s not uncommon for parents in The Woodlands to disagree on parenting time schedules.

If you feel as if you’re being unjustly refused custody of your child(ren), you should consider enlisting an experienced lawyer. The parenting time lawyers at Bolton Law are knowledgeable about the Texas standard possession order and will help you find a favorable solution that caters to the needs of everyone involved with emphasis on the child(ren).

Get in touch with our law offices in The Woodlands, Texas at 281-351-7897 to book your initial consultation NOW!