Visitation for Children Under 3 Years Old
Dallas Visitation Lawyers Available to Help Secure Your Visitation Rights
Dallas non-custodial parents are promised certain rights under Texas’ Standard Possession Order (SPO). This statute by the Texas Family Code reserves certain dates for the non-custodial parent to spend with their child. However, according to Texas Family Code, this statute does not apply to children under 3 years old. Instead, the law offers parents a chance to design an individualized schedule based on their child and family situation. The parents present this plan to the court for approval, resulting in a visitation plan that better addresses the needs of the baby.
Contact Mathur Law Offices, P.C. to create a schedule fit for your family. Our family law attorneys will help you prepare the documents and represent you during court appearances. We will work alongside you towards the goal of providing the best scenario possible for your child.
Contact a Dallas visitation attorney from Mathur Law Offices, P.C. for help today.
What Affects Visitation Orders for Children Under 3?
The Texas Family Code outlines certain considerations for young children that influence visitation decisions. These guidelines prompt the parents to think about the needs of their baby and their ability to fulfil them.
The court will consider the following when deciding on visitation rights of the non-custodial parent:
- The role each parent plays as a caregiver in the child’s life
- The child’s attachment to or dependency on either parent or the potential effects of separation from them
- The competency of the parents as caregivers
- Other people who will be present during either parent’s time with their child and the potential influence that individual could have on the child
- If the child has siblings, and if those siblings will be present during the suggested visitation periods
- The distance between both parents’ homes
During the suit, the parents will also discuss the possibility of a gradual shift towards visitation schedules similar to SPO. SPO promises the following dates to non-custodial parents:
- The first, third, and fifth weekends of the month
- Equal time on holidays
- 30 days extension in summer, or 42 if they live more than 100 miles away
- The mother and father get Mother’s Day and Father’s Day weekend, respectively
The family will typically abide by these standards beginning on the child’s third birthday. If there is significant reason to do otherwise, it can be delayed.
Contact our attorneys to bring these visitation matters to a court’s attention. Failure to bring the matter to a court could result in SPO visitation standards being enacted immediately, which is generally not suited for such young children. Our attorneys will fight for an outcome that is right for you and your child.
Our Dallas visitation attorneys can work to help your family settle on visitation rights that benefit you and your child. Call our office today for more information: (888) 867-5191.