Following your divorce, wanting full custody of your child or children is fully understandable. However, it’s important to take into account the many factors that will play in deciding if either you or your ex-spouse will gain custody and which will be given visitation rights. If you’re seeking a possession order as the non-custodial parent, then it’s doubly important to know just what to do and how to handle the situation.
First and foremost, you’re going to need the help of a seasoned team of family law attorneys in McAllen to help you. Check out two helpful tips that can help you get the possession order you need.
1. Know the Different Types of Possession Orders
The following are orders you can expect to hear about when seeking child visitation rights:
- A standard possession order (SPO) grants custody of a child whenever both parents agree on which of the two should care for him/her. If the parents can’t compromise, then a judge may assign a schedule.
- If an SPO doesn’t work for either parent, a modified possession order (MPO) allows alternative visitation times, such as alternating weekends or day visits instead.
- Possession orders for a child under three don’t prioritize the ‘best interest of the child,’ so both parents can agree on a more convenient schedule.
- A supervised possession order determines if a non-custodial parent needs supervision while visiting their child.
2. Create a Parenting Plan with the Custodial Parent
Unless a court places limitations on your role as a non-custodial parent, you’ll be required to keep some level of communication with the custodial parent to:
- Know if something comes up that interrupts the visitation schedule.
- Notify each other on who is picking up and dropping off the child at school while in between visits.
- Keep each other informed of when the child wants to make significant decisions or change the visitation schedule.
- Make medical decisions in case of emergencies.
Make an Appointment with Our Lawyers in McAllen
As a parent, it’s understandable to place all of your efforts into making your child’s post-divorce life as calm and hassle-free as possible despite what you and your ex-spouse are going through. Our McAllen lawyers are fully aware of this and want to help make your efforts fruitful and positive. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you.