Because no two families are created equally, one would also presume that the results of a divorce would vary greatly among divorcing spouses. While it might be ideal for parents to obtain equal time with their children, child custody arrangements do not always result in such a manner. For some divorcing parents in Texas, limited visitation is the result of a child custody dispute. While this might seem like a loss or a defeat, divorcing parents should understand it is still an opportunity to build a bond with their child or children.
Although it is not ideal to have your time with your child cut short, some divorces result in a parenting plan that makes one parent the primary or sole custodian. This means that there is not equal access to the children by both parents, but it does not mean that both parents do not have access to their children. In a limited visitation arrangement, a parent might have access on certain days, weekends, or only a few days every other week.
While your time might be shortened with your children, this does not mean the quality of time with them is strained. It is still possible to remain actively involved in your child’s life even if you do not have them in your residence half of the time. If a parenting plan allows for it, non-custodial parents can still keep in touch with their children even when it is not their day with them. This could be through phone calls, texts, or emails.
It is also important to ensure that when your child is with you that they feel at home. This is true regardless if they are spending just a night or two weeks at your home. To ensure you maintain a strong relationship with your child, developing a comfortable and conducive environment for them is essential. Additionally, even if your child expresses that they do not like the situation, it is not your place to discuss this sensitive topic with them or encourage them to resent the post-divorce situation.
While it might not be your first choice or an ideal situation, visitation can be a workable custody agreement. However, if you seek to alter this or seek to assert your rights to gain joint custody of your children, it is important to understand what steps are necessary to resolve this family law issue.
Source: Daddivorce.com, “Building Bonds With Your Kids Despite Limited Visitation,” Shawn Garrison, Accessed Nov. 11, 2017