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Summertime visitation in Texas during the COVID-19 pandemic has left many families juggling changes to their usual schedules. While court orders remain in place, disruptions from illness or travel restrictions can complicate plans. Staying informed on your rights and working with your co-parent will help ensure a smoother summer for you and your child.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Family Law and Visitation
COVID-19 has disrupted many aspects of daily life, and the legal system is no exception. Courts across Texas have faced closures and delays, making it difficult for families to move forward with their cases. Despite this, the Texas Supreme Court made it clear that families should continue following court-ordered visitation schedules. The pandemic doesn’t change your legal obligations, so sticking to the plan remains important for maintaining stability for your children.
Review Your Court Orders Before Summer Starts
Take the time to revisit your court orders before summer visitation begins. Even if you think you remember the details, it’s easy to forget important information over time. Pay special attention to sections that outline parenting plans, possession orders, and specific provisions for summer visitation. Knowing exactly what is expected helps you avoid confusion and unnecessary conflict.
Adjusting Visitation Schedules During the Pandemic
Summer visitation may require some adjustments due to the pandemic. If your child gets sick or travel restrictions impact your plans, you need to act quickly. Always consult your child’s doctor to make informed decisions, especially if illness affects visitation. Consider postponing trips or modifying the schedule in agreement with your co-parent. Focus on ensuring your child’s safety while respecting the court-ordered schedule as much as possible.
Working with Your Co-Parent During Uncertain Times
Communication becomes essential when things don’t go as planned. Reach out to your co-parent early if there are concerns about visitation during the pandemic. Working together helps reduce stress for your children and keeps things running smoothly. If you miss visitation time due to illness, discuss options to make up those days later. Whether it’s consecutive weekends or spread out over a longer period, having a plan in place prevents misunderstandings.
Handling Visitation Denial
Some parents may refuse visitation during the pandemic, citing health concerns or other issues. While it’s natural to worry about your child’s well-being, using COVID-19 as an excuse to block visitation can violate court orders. The Texas Supreme Court has reinforced that court-ordered schedules must be followed, even during these times.
If you’re facing a situation where your ex-spouse denies visitation, address it directly with them first. Open communication may solve the issue without further escalation. If that doesn’t work, consider your legal options. You can seek legal help to enforce your visitation rights. Attorneys can help mediate the situation before resorting to court action, but legal recourse is always available if necessary.
Following court orders is crucial, even if concerns about health arise. Ignoring them may lead to legal consequences and disrupt your child’s routine, which can create more problems down the road. Staying consistent with the visitation schedule helps provide stability for your child during uncertain times.
Conclusion
Maintaining your visitation schedule during the pandemic remains essential for the well-being of your child. Working with your co-parent and following court orders creates a more peaceful arrangement for everyone involved. When issues arise, seeking legal advice can clarify your options and protect your rights.
If you have concerns about your summer visitation plan, don’t hesitate to reach out to a family law attorney. Professional guidance can help you resolve any conflicts and ensure that you and your child stay connected.
Other Related Articles:
- What Will CPS Be Keeping an Eye on Regarding Your Parent-Child Visitation Sessions?
- Custody, Visitation and Child Support: How to handle these issues when incarcerated in Texas
- Grandparents in Texas: What Rights Do They Have In Regard to Visitation?
- Working on the Weekends: Alternative Visitation Ideas for Texas Parents
- The Dirty Trick of the Unenforceable Visitation Order
