Lost Summer Parenting Time in Texas is a common challenge for many parents, especially after disruptions like the pandemic. Whether due to illness, travel restrictions, or scheduling conflicts, missing out on time with your children is frustrating. Regaining that time takes a clear plan and effective communication with your co-parent. Let’s look at practical ways to make up for missed days and strengthen your relationship with your kids.
Common Reasons for Lost Parenting Time
Health Concerns and Illness
During the pandemic, many families missed out on parenting time due to illness. Parents who caught COVID-19 or other illnesses likely chose to avoid contact to protect their children. Even minor illnesses led to canceled visits to prevent spreading the virus. This cautious approach, while necessary, resulted in significant lost time with children.
Travel Restrictions and Stay-at-Home Orders
Travel bans and stay-at-home orders also played a big role in missed parenting time. Local and national restrictions made it difficult for some parents to move freely, especially in the early months of the pandemic. Many found themselves unable to see their children due to travel limitations. Though Texas courts advised parents to follow visitation orders, the uncertainty surrounding the virus led some to hesitate or limit travel.
Wrongful Denial of Visitation
Some parents wrongfully denied visitation to their co-parents during the pandemic. Concerns about safety or personal disagreements often led to canceled visits. In some cases, parents used the pandemic as an excuse to block scheduled visitation, creating additional frustration and loss of time.
Working with Your Co-Parent to Regain Lost Time
Open Communication
Talk to your co-parent directly about lost parenting time. Be clear about the days or weeks you missed and explain your desire to make up for that time. Clear, respectful communication helps set the stage for resolving the issue without further conflict.
Creating a Plan for Makeup Time
Develop a specific plan to regain your missed parenting time. A written schedule ensures both parents know when and how the makeup time will happen. It’s important to agree on clear dates and stick to them. Whether you prefer a few long visits or more frequent shorter ones, getting the plan in writing will keep things organized.
Flexibility in Arrangements
Negotiate the best way to handle makeup days based on your family’s needs. Some parents may prefer making up all the missed time in one stretch, while others spread it out over a longer period. Being flexible can lead to an easier agreement. Just ensure both parties follow the schedule.
Options When Agreement Isn’t Possible
Mediation
If you and your co-parent can’t reach an agreement, consider mediation. A neutral third party can step in to help find a solution that works for both parents. Mediators listen to each side and help craft a plan for making up lost time. This option often avoids the stress and cost of court.
Enforcement Through the Court
If your co-parent wrongfully denied you visitation, you may need to take legal action. Filing an enforcement lawsuit ensures that the court addresses the lost parenting time and holds the other parent accountable. This option may seem more drastic, but it’s effective if negotiations fail. Judges can order makeup days and even adjust future schedules if necessary.
When to Take Action: Timing is Key
End of Summer Considerations
Take action before the school year begins to ensure you can make up any missed summer parenting time. The start of school brings new schedules, making it harder to arrange extended visits. Acting quickly gives you more flexibility to work with your co-parent and plan for longer makeup periods before your child gets busy with school commitments.
Balancing School and Activities
If you can’t recover all missed summer time before school starts, you still have options. Coordinate with your co-parent to find shorter, regular visits that fit into your child’s school schedule. Plan makeup time during weekends, holidays, or school breaks. It’s important to find ways to maintain regular contact, even with the school year in full swing.
Legal Steps to Protect Future Parenting Time
Reviewing and Modifying Court Orders
Review your current court orders to see if they need adjustments. The pandemic may have changed family dynamics or schedules. Modifying the orders can ensure you have clear guidelines that reflect your current situation. Discuss updates with your co-parent or seek legal advice if you both agree changes are necessary.
Maintaining Documentation
Keep detailed records of missed visitation and any agreements or discussions with your co-parent. Documenting these interactions helps if you need to revisit the issue later or if the court gets involved. Record the specific dates and reasons for missed time to support your efforts in recovering lost parenting time.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Your Relationship with Your Child
Recovering missed parenting time isn’t just about hours or days on a calendar. It’s about preserving and strengthening the bond with your child. While regaining lost time may take effort, the value of spending quality moments with your children is worth it. Make every effort to ensure they know you’re present in their lives, regardless of disruptions.
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Bryan Fagan, a native of Atascocita, Texas, is a dedicated family law attorney inspired by John Grisham’s “The Pelican Brief.” He is the first lawyer in his family, which includes two adopted brothers. Bryan’s commitment to family is personal and professional; he cared for his grandmother with Alzheimer’s while completing his degree and attended the South Texas College of Law at night.
Married with three children, Bryan’s personal experiences enrich his understanding of family dynamics, which is central to his legal practice. He specializes in family law, offering innovative and efficient legal services. A certified member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, Bryan is part of an elite group of legal professionals committed to ongoing education and high-level expertise.
His legal practice covers divorce, custody disputes, property disputes, adoption, paternity, and mediation. Bryan is also experienced in drafting marital property agreements. He leads a team dedicated to complex family law cases and protecting families from false CPS allegations.
Based in Houston, Bryan is active in the Houston Family Law Sector of the Houston Bar Association and various family law groups in Texas. His deep understanding of family values and his professional dedication make him a compassionate advocate for families navigating Texas family law.
