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As we step into a new year, families facing the transition after a divorce will encounter the challenge of adapting to new custody arrangements. Completing your family law case before the end of 2023 was undoubtedly a significant achievement. Now, in 2023, your focus shifts to the complexities of managing a custody or possession schedule that dictates when you can see your child, a stark contrast to the previous flexibility.
In our latest blog post at the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, we explore the critical role of adhering to a custody schedule and its impact on successful co-parenting. Effective custody management relies on cooperation and maintaining a civil relationship with your co-parent, even during disagreements. This approach not only supports your relationship with your co-parent but is also crucial for your child’s well-being.
We are dedicated to helping you navigate co-parenting within your custody order effectively. If you face challenges or have questions about your custody schedule, we encourage you to reach out to us. The Law Office of Bryan Fagan offers free-of-charge consultations with our experienced family law attorneys, available six days a week, in person, by phone, or via video. Our aim is to enhance communication and understanding, empowering you and your co-parent to handle your parental responsibilities adeptly. Discover practical tips on mastering this adjustment in today’s blog.
Why follow the possession schedule?
Navigating custody arrangements post-divorce can be challenging, especially when adhering to a strict court-mandated possession schedule. It might be tempting to occasionally deviate from these guidelines to please your child, but maintaining compliance is crucial for their legal and emotional stability.
Violating a custody order, even seemingly minor infractions, can set a risky precedent, suggesting that emotional whims can override legal responsibilities. This can lead to confusion and instability for your child. Instead of bending the rules, if changes are necessary, it’s essential to seek a legal modification of the order through proper channels.
A defined possession schedule is designed not just for parental convenience but primarily for the child’s benefit, ensuring they have consistent contact with both parents. This stability is crucial for their emotional and psychological well-being. Texas law enforces these orders to ensure children have equitable access to both parents, crucial for their development.
For parents facing unpredictable visitation, a court order provides a predictable schedule, preventing the other parent from arbitrarily withholding custody. This predictability allows you to focus more on spending quality time with your children rather than worrying about whether visitation will occur.
If you are the primary custodian, fostering a balanced relationship with the co-parent not only alleviates some of your parenting burdens but also enriches your child’s familial connections. A balanced custody arrangement doesn’t diminish your role; instead, it enhances your child’s support system.
Cooperating with your co-parent and respecting the established custody arrangements leads to more effective parenting and a stable upbringing for your child. Disregarding possession orders isn’t just legally risky—it could undermine the stability your child relies on.
How to handle problems in possession this month
Navigating custody issues in 2024 may present unforeseen challenges that can disrupt your plans. Proactively managing these situations is key to avoiding the start of the year with a new family law case.
If problems arise, your family court orders are the first reference point. Whether from a divorce or child custody case, these orders outline your possession schedule, which you agreed to upon the conclusion of your case. Regularly reviewing these orders can prevent surprises and keep you prepared for upcoming custody times.
For instance, with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day approaching, if you’re the noncustodial parent and the holiday extends your visitation weekend, it’s crucial to have arrangements like childcare in place well in advance. If you find yourself unprepared, such as needing a day off work without prior notice, it’s essential to communicate openly and promptly with your co-parent. Admitting your oversight and discussing potential solutions, like swapping custody days if your co-parent is available, can resolve the issue amicably.
Moreover, your court orders may include a right of first refusal, which allows your co-parent to take custody of your child during your designated time if you’re unable to do so. This can be a useful option in last-minute situations.
Effective planning and understanding your custody orders are fundamental to managing custody smoothly. Maintaining open communication with your co-parent is also crucial; regular dialogue can enhance your co-parenting relationship, making it easier to handle unexpected changes. If disagreements arise, staying calm and considering mediation or third-party intervention can protect your child’s interests and foster a cooperative co-parenting environment.
For more insights and assistance, consider consulting with the experienced attorneys at the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, who emphasize the importance of communication in building a constructive co-parenting relationship.
Things to look forward to in 2024
As we navigate through 2024, planning for key custody dates is essential for a smooth experience sharing custody. Today’s blog post from the Law Office of Bryan Fagan is designed to help you prepare for the coming months.
In March, it’s vital to check your child’s school calendar for Spring Break dates. As 2024 is an even year, you may have your child for the entire break if your custody arrangement specifies so. School district websites are a good source for the calendar.
By April 1, noncustodial parents should inform the other parent of their chosen month for summer possession. This notice is crucial as your co-parent is entitled to one weekend of visitation during this period, except for Father’s Day weekend.
For those with high school seniors, another significant date approaches—the potential end of your child support obligations, which typically concludes when your child turns 18 or graduates. Ensure you review your court order for specific details.
Holiday custody for Thanksgiving and Christmas also follows specific patterns. For Thanksgiving, you may begin your possession when school breaks, continuing until the evening before school resumes. Christmas custody typically splits, with one parent having possession from the start of the break until December 28th, and the other from December 28th until the day before school resumes.
Understanding and managing a Standard Possession Order (SPO) requires careful planning and attention to detail. Stay updated with more helpful tips by following our blog at the Law Office of Bryan Fagan.
Questions about the material contained in today’s blog post? Contact the Law Office of Bryan Fagan
If you have any questions about the material contained in today’s blog post, please do not hesitate to contact the Law Office of Bryan Fagan. Our licensed family law attorneys offer free-of-charge consultations six days a week in person, over the phone, and via video. These consultations are a great way for you to learn more about the world of Texas family law as well as how your family’s circumstances may be impacted by the filing of a divorce or child custody case.
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