Summer brings extended visitation periods for many Texas families navigating custody arrangements, but it also marks the beginning of hurricane season along the Gulf Coast. For divorced or separated parents, balancing court-ordered visitation schedules with emergency preparedness requires careful planning and clear communication.

Understanding Texas Summer Visitation Standards

Texas Family Code establishes standard possession orders that typically grant the non-custodial parent extended summer visitation rights. Under the standard schedule, the non-custodial parent usually receives 30-42 days of possession during summer months. However, these extended periods can create complications during severe weather events, as hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30.

Legal Considerations During Weather Emergencies

Texas courts recognize that child safety supersedes visitation schedules during genuine emergencies. Custody orders should include provisions for modifying visitation due to circumstances beyond a parent’s control, including natural disasters, but often do not. The burden typically falls on parents to communicate and document their decisions.

Key legal points to remember:

Emergency override provisions allow schedule modifications during disasters
Parents should maintain records of all communications regarding weather-related changes Courts may require notification of significant deviations from ordered schedules

Preparing Your Hurricane Evacuation Plan

Parents should develop comprehensive evacuation plans well before hurricane season begins, incorporating custody considerations into their emergency preparedness.

Communication Protocols

Establish clear communication channels with your co-parent, including backup methods. Exchange multiple contact numbers and create a shared document outlining evacuation destinations. Consider using co-parenting apps that maintain communication records and work offline.

Evacuation Decision Matrix

Develop predetermined criteria for evacuation decisions that both parents agree upon, such as specific hurricane categories or mandatory evacuation orders. If one parent lives in an evacuation zone while the other resides inland, discuss protocols for temporary custody modifications.

Emergency Documentation

Ensure both parents have copies of custody orders, birth certificates, insurance cards, and medical information. Store digital copies in cloud-based systems accessible from evacuation locations.

Special Considerations for Coastal Families

Families living in hurricane-prone coastal areas face unique challenges during summer visitation periods. Parents should discuss contingency plans for moving children to safer locations during scheduled visitation and consider seasonal modifications to custody orders during peak hurricane season.

Communication During Active Threats

When hurricanes threaten Texas, begin enhanced communication as tropical systems enter the Gulf of Mexico. Share evacuation plans, destination addresses, and expected departure times. Maintain regular contact throughout weather events and document any necessary deviations from custody schedules.

Post-Storm Recovery

Hurricane recovery can take weeks or months, potentially affecting long-term custody arrangements. Power outages, school closures, and damaged homes may require extended modifications to normal schedules. Courts generally approve reasonable temporary modifications when parents demonstrate cooperation and prioritize children’s stability.

Creating Your Family Emergency Plan

Schedule annual meetings with your co-parent to review and update emergency plans before hurricane season begins. Update emergency contact lists, confirm evacuation destinations, and review insurance coverage. Maintain organized emergency files and keep detailed records of any custody modifications due to weather events.

Get Professional Legal Guidance

Hurricane preparedness for custody families requires ongoing cooperation, clear communication, and flexibility. While legal schedules provide important structure, child safety must always take precedence during genuine emergencies.

If you need assistance reviewing your custody order for emergency provisions, establishing comprehensive visitation protocols, or navigating custody modifications due to severe weather, the experienced family law attorneys at Boswell Law Firm can help. Don’t wait until a hurricane arrives to ensure your family is prepared.

Contact Boswell Law Firm today at http://www.boswelltexaslaw.com or call 832-919-6595 to discuss your custody and emergency planning needs.

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