Visitation Rights

Child Visitation Attorney in Plano

Personalized Representation for Plano Parents Navigating Possession & Access

When how much time you have with your child is on the line, you need an attorney who knows Collin County family court and stays personally accountable to your case. Brian Bagley has practiced family law in Plano since 2011, and every client works directly with him from the first consultation through final resolution. No associates, no hand-offs.

Whether you’re establishing a possession schedule for the first time, dealing with a co-parent who’s ignoring a court order, or seeking a schedule that better fits your current circumstances, we handle the full range of visitation matters in Collin County through negotiation, mediation, or contested litigation.

If you’re a Plano-area parent with questions about your visitation rights, call (972) 843-7158 to schedule a confidential consultation with Brian Bagley directly.

Why Plano Parents Work With Law Office of Brian Bagley

Visitation disputes don’t follow a single pattern. Some parents need a straightforward written agreement; others face a co-parent who has stopped complying with an existing order entirely. Brian Bagley has handled both ends of that spectrum and everything in between, including cases involving military families, high-asset situations, and unmarried parents establishing initial arrangements.

High-conflict situations, including cases where a parent is being denied all contact without court authorization, can require prompt legal action. We’re prepared to move quickly when circumstances call for it and to pursue negotiated resolution when that’s the better path.

Collin County courts often require mediation as a structured, confidential alternative to full litigation, and we’re familiar with how that process works locally. Clients have described working with our firm as professional and responsive, and we take seriously the responsibility of keeping you informed at every stage.

Contact Our Plano Visitation Rights Attorney

We offer confidential consultations for parents in Plano, Allen, and throughout Collin County who have questions about child visitation or face a dispute over an existing possession order. Call (972) 843-7158 or reach us through our online contact form to speak with Brian Bagley about your situation.

Texas Possession & Access Law: What Plano Parents Should Know

Texas law uses the terms “possession and access” rather than “visitation.” Possession refers to physical time with the child; access covers additional contact rights, including phone calls, video calls, attending the child’s extracurricular activities, and obtaining school and medical records. That distinction matters when you’re reading or negotiating a court order.

The Possessory Conservator’s Rights

When one parent is named the primary managing conservator and the other is designated a possessory conservator, the possessory conservator doesn’t share in major decisions about the child’s upbringing. That parent does retain the right to regular physical time with their child. Texas public policy favors frequent contact between children and both parents, and courts generally grant possession rights to noncustodial parents unless the child’s safety is at genuine risk.

The Standard Possession Order

The Standard Possession Order (SPO), the baseline schedule defined in the Texas Family Code, is presumed to be the minimum appropriate possession schedule in most cases. It governs time during the school year, holidays, and summer. Parents who live more than 100 miles apart are subject to an alternate schedule under the same statute. Parents can agree in writing to a different schedule, and Collin County courts may approve a mutually agreed arrangement that serves the child’s best interests. For specifics on how the SPO works in practice, speak with our firm directly.

How Visitation Is Established, Modified, or Enforced

The appropriate legal path depends on where you’re starting:

No existing order: A parent without any court-ordered possession schedule must file a Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship (SAPCR) in Collin County District Court to establish a formal arrangement.
Existing order that no longer fits: A Petition to Modify the Parent-Child Relationship is available when circumstances have materially and substantially changed since the original order, such as a relocation, a shift in work schedules, or a child’s evolving needs.
Existing order being violated: A Motion for Enforcement of Possession and Access addresses a co-parent’s refusal to comply. If the motion prevails, the court may award make-up time and attorney’s fees.

Courts may restrict or deny possession if there is evidence of abuse, substance abuse, or a credible risk that a parent may remove the child from the jurisdiction. One thing Texas law is clear on: a parent can’t legally withhold possession because the other parent has fallen behind on child support. Visitation rights and child support are treated as separate obligations.

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Modifying or Enforcing a Visitation Order in Collin County

An order that worked when it was written doesn’t always hold up as life changes. Brian Bagley represents Plano-area parents who need to modify a possession schedule that no longer fits their circumstances and parents who need court intervention when the other party isn’t complying with an existing order. Some modification cases resolve through a negotiated agreement; others require a hearing. Enforcement actions, particularly in high-conflict situations, may need to move quickly.

What to Expect When You Work With a Child Visitation Lawyer in Plano

Every visitation matter starts in a different place. Before recommending an approach, Brian Bagley reviews the specifics of your situation: whether you have an existing order, what it says, and what’s actually happening. The legal response for a parent with no order in place is different from the filing needed when a co-parent is refusing court-ordered access, and both differ from a modification proceeding.

When Emergency Relief May Apply

For parents facing an urgent situation, such as a co-parent who has cut off all contact without court authorization, there may be grounds to seek emergency relief rather than waiting for a standard hearing. We assess those situations carefully and move when the facts support it.

How Mediation Fits Into the Process

When mediation is a practical path to resolution, we recommend it. Collin County courts often require mediation before a contested case proceeds to trial, and resolving a dispute through that process can save time and reduce conflict. We’re experienced in mediation and know how it runs in Collin County.

Direct Communication Throughout Your Case

You communicate directly with Brian Bagley throughout your case, not through associates, not through updates routed to you secondhand. We serve clients in Plano, Allen, and throughout Collin County and are available to answer questions as your matter develops.

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Five-Star Client Reviews

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I had another lawyer handling my divorce case prior to Brian, and she was an absolute MESS. It was very difficult to ...

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Brian, Kristen, and Gwenyth were phenomenal in handling my divorce and traffic tickets over the years. They have handled my ...

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If I could give this young man 10 stars I would HANDS DOWN!! He came in, took over my case from a previous lawyer, did ...

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This office is a top-notch law firm. My issues were handled efficiently and skillfully to my satisfaction. Kristen and Gwen ...

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I had the best experience with Brian and his staff at Bagley Law Firm. So professional, and timely and kept me calm as they ...

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The most personable attorney you will find. Brian and Kristen will make you feel like you and your case matter.

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