Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Child Custody
Think of summer. For children, the season means fun, family, and freedom from the regular school routine. But for parents who don’t live together, summer can mean confusion, tension, and conflict over custody issues. If you are navigating co-parenting in Texas and your child is about to start summer break, now is the time to make a plan.
At Ramos Law Group, PLLC, our award-winning team helps families reduce stress and create smooth transitions for shared parenting. If you’re worried about conflicted co-parenting during the summer, schedule a consultation with us so we can ease your mind. For now, take a look below at five practical tips to help you avoid common summer custody conflicts.
1. Make a Summer Custody Schedule with the Other Parent
Texas family law encourages parents to work together to make decisions in the best interest of their child. One of the most effective ways to avoid summer custody schedule issues is to agree in writing on how your summer will look. You can take this agreement to court, and if the judge believes that the agreement is good for your child, it may become an enforceable order.
When you and the other parent create a custom summer schedule, you reduce surprises. This agreement should be as detailed as possible and make room for unexpected changes. We can help you draft an agreement that meets your unique needs and Texas family law requirements.
2. Seek a Court Order If Needed
If you and the other parent cannot agree on how to share summer parenting time, you should follow your existing court order. In Texas, custody orders typically include a standard possession order, which outlines each parent’s summer visitation schedule and when the child transitions between households.
If a parent is not following the order—or you’re worried they won’t—you can ask the court to enforce it. And if your summer parenting time schedule is vague or outdated, it might be time to take legal steps to clarify your rights and duties.
3. Modify Your Court Order for a Better Co-parenting Summer Schedule
Kids grow. Schedules change. And court orders should evolve, too. If you’re experiencing conflicted co-parenting and your current order no longer reflects your needs, consider a custody modification. Under Texas law, a court can modify an order if:
- There has been a material and substantial change in circumstances;
- The child is at least 12 and wants to testify about their desire to change the person with whom they live; and
- The parent with whom the child lives voluntarily gave primary care and possession of the child to another person for at least six months.
If you seek to modify your custody order, the change must also be in your child’s best interest.
Examples of reasons to modify an order include:
- A parent’s relocation,
- A child’s summer activities changing, and
- A need for additional support or supervision.
At Ramos Law Group, PLLC, we regularly help parents adjust their custody terms to get a better co-parenting summer schedule. A modification can offer peace of mind and prevent repeated conflicts.
4. Establish a Clear Communication Plan and Follow It
Miscommunication is the root of many custody conflicts. Whether you and the other parent have an agreement or custody order, clear communication is necessary to make your arrangement work. Decide how and when you will share:
- Travel details,
- Drop-off and pickup times,
- Emergency contacts, and
- Changes to schedules or plans.
You can include terms for communicating in your agreements and court orders so that there is no confusion about your obligations.
If you’re in a high-conflict co-parenting situation, consider using communication tools developed to help co-parents avoid conflict. There are several electronic communication and calendaring services for parents struggling with custody arrangements. We can help you find a service that works best for you.
5. Have a Backup Plan
When raising a child, flexibility is just as important as structure. Even the best summer parenting time schedule can run into hiccups. A child might get sick, a flight could be delayed, or a work emergency might pop up. You can prepare by:
- Agreeing in advance on what happens if someone is late or can’t pick up the child,
- Having a list of approved alternate caregivers, and
- Discussing how to make up missed time (if at all).
In high-conflict cases, these backup plans can be written into your parenting plan or a modified order. You can also seek the help of a court-ordered parenting coordinator to resolve disputes when you need extra support. These steps can protect both parents and minimize last-minute stress for your child.
Let Ramos Law Group Help You Solve Conflicted Co-Parenting with Confidence
At Ramos Law Group, PLLC, we know Texas family law inside and out. We have helped parents all over Houston manage their summer custody schedule needs, resolve conflicts, and get court orders that work.
Whether you need help enforcing, modifying, or negotiating your co-parenting summer schedule, our top-rated team is here for you. Our founder is Board-Certified in Family Law, and we are passionate about helping families thrive. Let us help take the stress off your shoulders so you can focus on making great summer memories with your child.
Resources:
- Tex. Fam. Code § 153.605 (2015), link.
Last Updated on August 18, 2025 by Mary E. Ramos
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