Understanding the Types of Visitation in Fort Bend County, Texas

When parents go through a divorce or separation in Texas, one of the most important issues to resolve is child visitation. The law recognizes that children do best when they maintain a healthy relationship with both parents, even if the parents are no longer together.

In Fort Bend County (and throughout Texas), visitation is formally called “possession and access.” This simply means the right of a parent to spend time with their child and be involved in their upbringing. This guide breaks down the main types of visitation available in Fort Bend so you can better understand your options.

1. Standard Possession Order (SPO)

The Standard Possession Order is the most common visitation schedule in Texas. It applies when parents live within 50 miles of each other, although variations exist for longer distances.

Under a typical SPO:

• The noncustodial parent (the parent who does not primarily live with the child) usually has visitation:
  • First, third, and fifth weekends of each month (from Friday evening to Sunday evening).
  • Thursday evenings during the school year.
  • 30 days in the summer.
  • Alternating holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and spring break.

This schedule is considered the “default” in Texas because it provides consistency and fairness while keeping the child’s best interests in mind.

2. Expanded Standard Possession Order (Expanded SPO)

In many cases, parents agree to or request an Expanded Standard Possession Order. This schedule gives the noncustodial parent more time with the child than the standard order allows.

Key features include:

• Weekend visitation starts Thursday after school and ends Monday morning (instead of Friday–Sunday).
• Midweek visitation may include overnight stays instead of just evening visits.

This option is becoming increasingly popular because it allows children to spend longer, uninterrupted periods with both parents.

3. Supervised Visitation

When there are concerns about a child’s safety or well-being, the court may order supervised visitation.

Examples of situations where supervised visitation may apply include:

• History of family violence or abuse.
• Concerns about substance abuse.
• Long absences from the child’s life.
• Situations where the child is not yet comfortable being alone with the parent.

In these cases, visits take place under the supervision of a neutral third party — this could be a professional supervisor, a trusted family member, or a visitation center approved by the court.

4. Possession Orders for Long-Distance Parents

If parents live more than 100 miles apart, the visitation schedule changes significantly.

In this case, the noncustodial parent may have:

• One weekend per month instead of three.
• Extended summer visitation (up to 42 days).
• Alternating holidays similar to the standard order.

This arrangement balances the reality of long travel distances with the child’s need for ongoing contact with both parents.

5. Custom or Agreed Visitation Schedules

Sometimes parents agree on a visitation schedule that is different from the standard options. Courts will usually approve these custom schedules as long as they are in the best interests of the child.

For example, parents may agree to:

• Split time evenly (a true 50/50 schedule).
• Adjust for a parent’s unique work schedule (such as shift work or military duty).
• Arrange flexible schedules for older children who have extracurricular activities.

Custom schedules work best when both parents communicate effectively and are committed to co-parenting.

6. Denial of Visitation

In extreme cases, a court may deny visitation altogether, but this is rare. This usually happens only when a parent poses a serious and ongoing danger to the child, and supervised visitation is not enough to protect them.

Key Factors Courts Consider in Fort Bend Visitation Cases

When deciding on visitation, Texas courts always prioritize the best interests of the child. Judges may look at:

• The child’s age and needs.
• Each parent’s ability to provide a safe, stable environment.
• The history of each parent’s relationship with the child.
• Any history of abuse, neglect, or substance use.
• The willingness of each parent to foster a positive relationship between the child and the other parent.

Understanding the Types of Visitation in Fort Bend County, Texas

Visitation in Fort Bend County is not a one-size-fits-all process. From the Standard Possession Order to custom agreements and even supervised visits, the law provides different options to meet the unique needs of children and families.

Contact Mokolo Law Firm

At Mokolo Law Firm, we know that visitation disputes can be emotional and confusing. We are here to help you navigate the legal process, protect your parental rights, and ensure your child’s best interests are always put first. Whether you’re seeking to establish, enforce, or modify a visitation order, our team is ready to stand by your side. Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you with your visitation case in Fort Bend.