Child Visitation Attorney In Kerrville

Support For Parents Facing Visitation Problems

When your time with your child is uncertain, everything in life feels unsettled. You may be worried about missed visits, changing schedules, or how a judge in Kerr County might view your situation. You are looking for clear answers and a path forward, not more conflict.

At The Law Office of Patrick O’Fiel, P.C., we help parents and family members work through visitation and parenting time issues in Kerrville and across the Texas Hill Country. Visitation orders affect daily routines, holidays, and the long-term relationship you have with your child. Our goal is to help you understand your options and make informed decisions at every step.

Our office has served the region for more than 20 years. Led by a fifth-generation attorney, we bring long-standing experience in Texas family law and a commitment to protecting our clients’ rights while staying focused on what matters most, their children.

Call (830) 331-5977 today to set up a consultation, or contact us online.

Why Parents Turn To Our Firm

Visitation questions can arise during a divorce, a paternity case, a modification, or long after a court has signed an order. Parents come to us when the other parent is blocking visits, when schedules no longer work, or when they worry that conflict is hurting their children. They want a steady guide who understands both the law and family dynamics.

We bring over 20 years of experience handling family law matters for clients in this area. Our firm is led by a fifth-generation attorney, which reflects a long legacy of legal service in Texas. This background helps us evaluate complex situations, anticipate how issues may be viewed in court, and give clients realistic expectations about possible paths.

We structure our practice to provide personal attention. By managing our caseload carefully, we work to ensure that each family receives the time and focus their situation deserves. Clients are not treated as file numbers. We take time to listen to their history, their concerns about the other parent, and their goals for their children, then we offer guidance that fits those circumstances.

Communication is a core part of how we work. Visitation disputes can feel urgent, and parents need to know what is happening with their case. We strive to keep clients informed about filings, court dates, deadlines, and next steps. We also draw on a network of professionals when needed, such as counselors or financial professionals, so that parents can consider both legal and practical support for their families.

Many parents tell us they feel a sense of relief once they understand the process and the options available to them. Our role is to walk beside you through that process, explain the legal issues in everyday language, and help you focus on what will best protect your relationship with your child.

Texas Visitation & Parenting Time Basics

Understanding how Texas views custody and visitation can make the process feel less overwhelming. In Texas, these issues are described in terms of conservatorship, possession, and access. Conservatorship relates to decision-making rights, while possession and access describe when each parent spends time with the child.

Many families have a standard possession order that is outlined in the Texas Family Code. This schedule covers regular school weeks, weekends, holidays, and summer periods. In practice, schedules can be adjusted to address parents’ work hours, school activities, travel time between homes, and the particular needs of a child, especially in the Hill Country, where distance can play a role.

Courts in Kerr County and across Texas focus on the best interest of the child. Factors that are often considered include the child’s emotional and physical needs, the stability of each home, the ability of each parent to support the child’s relationship with the other parent, any history of family violence, and how well the current arrangement is working. No two families are the same, so a schedule that fits one situation may not be workable in another.

Holiday and summer schedules are a common source of questions. Orders typically set out how parents share time on major holidays, school breaks, and extended summer periods. These sections of the order can feel technical, but they have a big impact on yearly traditions and travel plans. We help parents read and understand their orders so they know what to expect before disagreements arise.

If a current arrangement is not serving your child well, Texas law allows for modifications when certain conditions are met, such as significant changes in circumstances. A child visitation lawyer in Kerrville can explain how those rules apply to your specific facts and what evidence a court may consider if you seek a change.

Steps To Take In A Visitation Dispute

When visits are missed or plans fall apart, it is easy for emotions to take over. Taking thoughtful steps can help protect both your child and your legal position. Our firm often guides parents through these early stages, whether the issue involves occasional problems or a pattern of interference with visitation rights.

If you already have a court order, it is usually important to follow it as closely as possible while concerns are addressed, unless you believe your child is in immediate danger. Courts typically look at whether each parent is making a good-faith effort to follow the order. If you are unsure what the order requires in a particular situation, we can help interpret the language and explain your options.

Keeping a clear record of what is happening can be helpful. This may include dates and times of missed visits, messages about schedule changes, or notes about when exchanges occurred late. Detailed, factual records can assist in discussions with the other parent, mediation, or court proceedings. We often help clients organize this information so that it is easier to present if needed.

Some disputes can be resolved through calm communication or through mediation, where a neutral third party helps parents reach an agreement. Other situations, such as repeated refusal to follow an order, may require enforcement through the court. A visitation attorney Kerrville can advise you on whether a letter, negotiation, mediation, or a formal court action is more appropriate in your case.

Parents also contact us when an existing schedule simply no longer works. Children grow, parents change jobs, or someone may move to a different part of the Hill Country. In those situations, the issue may be modification rather than enforcement. We review the order, discuss changes in circumstances, and explain what the court generally looks for when deciding whether to modify a visitation schedule.

Our role in these disputes is to provide steady guidance. We discuss the potential impact of each option, help you consider how your child may be affected, and work with you to decide on a strategy that balances legal considerations with the realities of your family’s day-to-day life.

How A Local Kerrville Lawyer Helps

Working with a lawyer who practices regularly in your community can make a meaningful difference in a visitation case. The rules that apply in all Texas courts are important, but so are the local procedures and expectations that shape how cases unfold. Our office is based in Kerrville, and we serve families throughout the Texas Hill Country.

Visitation and custody matters that arise here are often heard at the Kerr County Courthouse. We are familiar with local filing practices, hearing settings, and other procedures that affect how and when your case moves forward. This familiarity helps us prepare clients for what to expect at each stage, whether that involves mediation, a temporary orders hearing, or a later appearance in court.

Because we work in this area, we understand how local factors can influence parenting time. Some families live in town, while others may be spread out across rural parts of the county or neighboring counties. Travel distances, school locations, and work schedules in the Hill Country can all affect what type of schedule is realistic. We keep these practical concerns in mind when helping parents review or propose visitation terms.

Meeting in person is also important for many clients. Having an office in Kerrville makes it easier for parents to sit down with us, bring their court papers, and talk through concerns in detail. We balance in-person meetings with phone or electronic communication so that clients can stay up to date even when life is busy.

Throughout the process, we focus on communication. We work to keep you informed about upcoming court dates, filing deadlines, and any requests for information. Our long-standing presence in the Texas Hill Country, combined with our focus on manageable caseloads, allows us to give each family the attention they deserves as we address their visitation issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do if the other parent will not follow our visitation order?

You can document each violation and seek legal advice promptly. Courts may address serious or repeated violations through enforcement actions, which can include make-up time or other remedies. We can review your order, explain your options, and help decide what steps make sense in your situation.

Can I change my current visitation schedule if it no longer works?

You may request a modification if certain legal conditions are met. Courts often look for a material and substantial change in circumstances or other specific factors. We evaluate your situation, compare it to the existing order, and discuss whether a modification request is appropriate.

How will you keep me informed about my visitation case?

We strive to maintain regular communication throughout your case. This usually includes updates about filings, upcoming court settings, and important decisions that need your input. Because we manage our caseload carefully, we can devote time to answering your questions and explaining the process in plain language.

What if I have safety concerns about my child during visitation?

If you believe your child is at risk, you should seek legal advice quickly. Courts take safety concerns seriously, but they also require evidence. We talk with you about your observations, review any available documentation, and explain options that may include requesting temporary changes or additional protections.

How much does it cost to hire your firm for a visitation matter?

Costs depend on factors such as case complexity, level of conflict, and whether court hearings are required. We discuss our fee structure with you at the outset so you understand how billing works. Our goal is to give you clear information so you can make informed decisions about moving forward.

Talk With Our Kerrville Family Law Office

Deciding how to handle a visitation problem can feel overwhelming when you are trying to protect your relationship with your child. A conversation with a lawyer who understands Texas family law and local practice in this area can help bring clarity to a difficult situation.

At The Law Office of Patrick O’Fiel, P.C., we draw on more than 20 years of legal experience, a five-generation legacy of legal service, and a deep commitment to personal attention. We focus on keeping clients informed, explaining options in everyday language, and working toward solutions that reflect the realities of life in the Texas Hill Country. If you are facing a visitation dispute or need guidance about a parenting time order, we invite you to reach out and learn how we can help.

To speak with our team about your visitation concerns, call (830) 331-5977.