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Galveston & Brazoria

Kemah, TX Child Visitation Lawyer

We help people in Galveston & Brazoria Counties navigate divorce and family law matters with confidence — whether in or out of court.

child visitation lawyer

As a parent, there is nothing more precious than the time you spend with your children. When divorce or separation occurs, the prospect of losing valuable moments with your kids can be emotionally devastating. Child custody battles and visitation disputes are often the most draining, stressful experiences a parent can face. The uncertainty and potential impact on your relationship with your children can feel overwhelming.

At the Law Office of Aimee Stritchko, we understand what you’re up against, and we are here to provide the guidance and advocacy you need during this difficult time. Our Kemah, TX child visitation lawyers can help you navigate the legal process, protect your parental rights, and achieve an outcome that prioritizes your children’s best interests.

Understanding Child Visitation in Texas

Under Texas Family Code Chapter 153, visitation, also known as possession and access, refers to the time a non-custodial parent spends with their child. The primary purpose of visitation is to ensure that children have frequent and continuing contact with both parents, as this is generally considered to be in the child’s best interests.

In Texas, there are several types of visitation orders:

  1. Standard Possession Order (SPO): The SPO is the default visitation schedule and outlines specific times for the non-custodial parent to spend with the child, including weekends, weekday evenings, and holidays.
  2. Modified Possession Order (MPO): An MPO is a customized visitation schedule that deviates from the SPO to accommodate the unique needs and circumstances of the family.
  3. Supervised visitation: In cases where there are concerns about a parent’s ability to care for the child or the child’s safety, the court may order supervised visitation, where a third party oversees the parent-child interactions.

Factors Considered in Determining Visitation

When establishing visitation orders, Texas courts prioritize the best interests of the child. Several factors are considered in making this determination, including:

  • The age and developmental needs of the child
  • Each parent’s ability to provide a safe, stable environment
  • The level of involvement and caregiving history of each parent
  • The co-parenting relationship and ability to communicate effectively
  • The geographic distance between the parents’ homes
  • The child’s preferences, if they are of sufficient age and maturity

Our skilled Kemah, TX child visitation lawyers will work closely with you to present a compelling case that demonstrates your commitment to your child’s well-being and your ability to provide a nurturing environment.

Establishing Visitation Orders in Kemah, TX

Visitation orders are typically established during divorce or child custody proceedings. The process may involve mediation or collaborative law, where parents work together to reach an agreement on visitation that meets their family’s needs. If an agreement cannot be reached, the court will make a determination based on the evidence presented.

Having an experienced Kemah, TX child visitation attorney by your side during this process is crucial to protecting your parental rights and ensuring that your child’s best interests are served. We will guide you through the legal process, provide strategic advice, and advocate for a visitation arrangement that allows you to maintain a strong bond with your child.

Customizing Visitation Schedules

Every family is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach to visitation may not work for everyone. Our attorneys will work with you to develop a customized visitation schedule that takes into account factors such as:

  • Your work schedule and your child’s school schedule
  • Your child’s extracurricular activities and special needs
  • Holidays, vacations, and special occasions
  • The distance between your home and the other parent’s home

We understand the importance of flexibility and cooperation in making visitation arrangements successful. Our goal is to help you establish a schedule that promotes a healthy, ongoing relationship with your child while minimizing conflict and disruption.

Modifying Visitation Orders in Kemah, TX

As your child grows and your circumstances change, you may need to modify your existing visitation order. In Texas, a visitation order can be modified if there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances since the original order was put in place.

Some common reasons for seeking a visitation modification include:

  • Changes in a parent’s work schedule or living situation
  • The child’s evolving needs or preferences
  • Parental relocation
  • Concerns about a parent’s ability to provide a safe, stable environment

If you believe that a modification to your visitation order is necessary, our knowledgeable Kemah, TX child visitation lawyers can help. We will assess your situation, advise you on your legal options, and guide you through the modification process, working diligently to achieve an outcome that protects your child’s best interests.

Relocation and Visitation

When one parent decides to move a significant distance, it can have a profound impact on visitation arrangements. Under Texas law, a parent who intends to relocate must provide written notice to the other parent at least 60 days before the planned move.

If the non-relocating parent objects to the move, they may file a petition to modify the visitation order. The court will then consider factors such as the reason for the move, the distance involved, and the impact on the child’s relationship with the non-relocating parent when making a decision.

Our experienced attorneys can help you navigate the complexities of relocation and visitation, whether you are the parent seeking to move or the parent opposing the relocation. We will work to develop a visitation plan that prioritizes your child’s well-being and helps maintain the parent-child bond, even across long distances.

Enforcing Visitation Orders in Kemah, TX

When a parent fails to comply with a court-ordered visitation schedule, it can be frustrating and emotionally distressing for both the child and the other parent. In these situations, you may need to take legal action to enforce the visitation order.

If your child’s other parent is interfering with your visitation rights, our skilled Kemah, TX child visitation attorneys can help. We will work with you to document the violations, file a motion for enforcement, and represent your interests in court. In some cases, the non-compliant parent may be held in contempt of court, resulting in fines or even jail time.

Visitation and Child Support

It is important to note that visitation and child support are separate legal issues. A parent cannot withhold visitation due to the other parent’s failure to pay child support, nor can a parent stop paying child support because they are being denied visitation.

However, our attorneys understand that visitation and child support are often interconnected in practice. We can help you enforce both your visitation rights and your child support order, ensuring that your child receives the emotional and financial support they need and deserve.

Supervised Visitation in Kemah, TX

In some cases, concerns about a parent’s ability to provide a safe, nurturing environment for the child may lead to an order for supervised visitation. Supervised visitation may be necessary when there are issues such as:

  • Substance abuse
  • Domestic violence
  • Mental health concerns
  • A history of child abuse or neglect

During supervised visitation, a neutral third party, such as a family member, professional supervisor, or agency, oversees the parent-child interactions to ensure the child’s safety and well-being. Our attorneys can help you navigate the process of establishing supervised visitation, working towards a graduated plan that allows for increased parental responsibility and unsupervised visitation when appropriate.

Parental Alienation and Visitation

Parental alienation occurs when one parent actively undermines the child’s relationship with the other parent through words, actions, or manipulation. This can have a devastating impact on the parent-child bond and can complicate visitation arrangements.

If you suspect that your child’s other parent is engaging in parental alienation, it is crucial to address the issue promptly with the help of a knowledgeable Kemah, TX child visitation lawyer. Our attorneys are experienced in handling complex visitation cases involving parental alienation, and we will work tirelessly to protect your parental rights and your child’s emotional well-being.

Visitation Rights for Grandparents and Non-Parents

In some cases, grandparents or other non-parent caregivers may seek visitation rights with a child. Under Texas law, grandparents can file for visitation if they can demonstrate that denial of access would significantly impair the child’s physical health or emotional well-being.

Similarly, step-parents or other non-parent caregivers who have played a significant role in a child’s life may be able to seek visitation rights. Our attorneys can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the process of establishing visitation orders that prioritize your child’s best interests.

Visitation and Domestic Violence

When domestic violence is a factor in a family law case, it can have a significant impact on visitation determinations. If you or your child have experienced domestic violence, our compassionate attorneys are here to help. We will work with you to develop a visitation plan that prioritizes your safety and well-being, which may include supervised visitation or other protective measures.

Our team has experience handling complex family law cases involving domestic violence, and we will provide the knowledgeable guidance and strong advocacy you need during this challenging time.

Our Kemah, TX Child Visitation Lawyer Advocates for Your Family

At the Law Office of Aimee Stritchko, we are dedicated to helping Kemah, TX families navigate the complexities of child visitation matters. Our attorneys understand the emotional and legal challenges you may be facing, and we are committed to providing personalized, compassionate legal guidance every step of the way.

We believe that every family is unique, which is why we take the time to listen to you, understand your goals, and develop a tailored legal strategy that meets your needs. Our focus is on helping you achieve a visitation arrangement that promotes a strong, healthy relationship between you and your child while minimizing conflict and stress.

If you are facing a child visitation issue in Kemah, TX, contact the Law Office of Aimee Stritchko for help.

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