Navarro & Ellis County Visitation Rights Attorney

Child Visitation Attorney in Ellis County

Protecting Your Parenting Time in Waxahachie and Throughout Ellis County, TX

When a separation or divorce puts your time with your child at stake, the decisions made in court can shape your relationship for years. At The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford, we represent parents in Ellis County who need to establish, protect, or enforce their parenting time rights. Our Waxahachie office sits one block from the courthouse, and we appear regularly before the 378th Judicial District Court, where Ellis County family law matters, including visitation, are decided.

Attorney Michael J. Crawford is a fifth-generation resident of Navarro and Ellis Counties, which means genuine familiarity with the local judiciary and the community where these cases are decided. Whether you’re a noncustodial parent pursuing maximum parenting time or a parent whose court-ordered schedule is being ignored, we’re ready to help. We offer free initial consultations, answer calls and texts 24/7, and provide services in Spanish.

Your parenting time is worth protecting. Call or text us any time at (214) 903-7722 to schedule your free consultation with a visitation attorney in Ellis County.

How Texas Law Governs Child Visitation

Texas uses the term possessory conservatorship to describe what most people call visitation rights: the noncustodial parent’s legally protected right to physical possession of the child at scheduled times. Understanding how Texas courts approach these rights is the foundation of any visitation case.

The default parenting schedule in Texas is the standard possession order, which typically grants the noncustodial parent the first, third, and fifth weekends of each month, a mid-week evening, designated holidays, and extended summer time. Courts treat this schedule as a starting point, but every order is shaped by the best interest of the child standard.

What courts consider under that standard:

The child’s emotional and physical needs and how each parent meets them
The stability of each home and consistency of routine
The child’s own preferences, depending on age and maturity
Any history of abuse, neglect, or safety concerns in either household

Visitation arrangements exist on a spectrum. Unsupervised standard possession is the norm in most cases. Supervised visitation requires a neutral third party to be present during parenting time and is ordered when a court identifies concerns about a child’s safety. In serious cases involving documented abuse or neglect, a court may restrict or deny visitation entirely.

One important distinction Texas law draws: visitation rights and child support are legally separate. A parent can’t lawfully withhold court-ordered visitation because the other parent has fallen behind on support payments, and the reverse is equally true.

Continue Reading Read Less

Our Satisfied Clients

View All Reviews

“Eager to help, knew the law, honest, and stands by his word.”
Michael Crawford is awesome. He is by far the best defense mechanism We've seen around this town n a very long time if evr.exactly what we needed.he was so eager to help, knew the law, honest, and stands by his word. He actually works for u, his client. Even if court-appointed he seems to give 110%. Just imagine what he would do if he was getting paid. He shows me money is not everything! He is really in it to HELP his clients. My opinion is Micheal Crawford is a one of a kind lawyer.

- Becky
“Michael is not just my attorney, he is also my friend now because he is just that nice of a person.”
Michael J. Crawford is a graduate of Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law in Dallas. He chose to open his own law practice in his hometown of Kerens in lieu of practicing with a big firm in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. He works hard for clients. He is known as the "Blue Collar Lawyer" because he gives 110% effort for every client. I was very impressed with his professionalism, understanding, and expression of sincerity while he was handling my case. Michael is not just my attorney, he is also my friend now because he is just that nice of a person. Thanks, Michael for protecting my rights.

- Jaclynn
“Not only does he care about his client, but he will also care for your family and keep them aware.”
“
If you want a lawyer that will pour his extensive knowledge of the law and the people of Navarro County into your case, this is the lawyer for you.
He stood up to the small town Justice System, that continually beat him down, but not once gave up
”

- John
“As a satisfied client, I highly recommend Michael J. Crawford.”
Mr. Crawford was able to represent my wishes and balance that with a sensible plan while taking the appropriate time to compassionately explain the process to me, answer all my questions and really listen to my concerns. Mr. Crawford was honest, knowledgeable, and aggressively fought for a successful outcome.
As a satisfied client, I highly recommend Michael J. Crawford.

- Former Client
“If u need someone he would be the one to use!!!”
He does a really great job!!! very smart!! will help u in any wy!! love what he's doing!!!this is the kinda lawyer we been needing here in this area!!! the other lawyer all play along with the other lawyer but Micheal stand along an get the job done!! he has a great staff that has it so simple for him!! if u need someone he would be the one to use!!!

- Timothy
“It was obvious at every moment of the trial that he was there to defend his client”
Mr. Crawford was the attorney for my nephew - I sat in court the 5 days of court - and observed Mr. Crawford for the entire trial - it was obvious at every moment of the trial that he was there to defend his client -- and defend, he did. He was wonderful!

- Millie
“He is very knowledgeable and passionate about the law.”
Mr. Crawford was awesome at handling my complex custody issues. Through the process, trumped-up charges were brought against me. Mr. Crawford was available over the weekend and at night at the peak of my issues when I needed him the most. His advice was on point and everything worked out like he advised it would. He is very knowledgable and passionate about the law. He doesn't just make deals. He fights for justice and wins.

- Lance
“He knows the people, he knows the law and will not let you down.”
Michael Crawford and his associates went above and beyond to help us with a very complex case resulting in a much more favorable divorce settlement than we ever thought would happen. He took a personal interest, showed compassion and understanding and his patience was that of Job. He is passionate about his work as well as fair, tough and blunt. He is aggressive and one time said, "I love to fight" -- exactly what I am looking for in a lawyer. I would recommend his office to anyone looking for a tough, smart lawyer. He knows the people, he knows the law and will not let you down.

- lschnellmann

Ellis County Visitation Representation: Establishing, Modifying & Enforcing Orders

We handle three distinct situations that bring parents to our office regarding parenting time.

Establishing an Initial Order
If no visitation order is in place, we file a suit affecting the parent-child relationship and build a case for a parenting schedule that reflects your child’s needs and your role as a parent. Our goal is maximum parenting time under Texas law for noncustodial parents who want it.

Modifying an Existing Order
Life changes. When a relocation, a shift in your child’s needs, or a change in work schedule makes the current order unworkable, Texas law allows modification if you can show a material and substantial change in circumstances. We prepare and file modification petitions and argue why the change serves your child’s best interest.

Enforcing a Violated Order
When the other parent refuses to follow a court-ordered schedule, you have legal options. We represent clients in enforcement actions before the 378th Judicial District Court, which can result in make-up parenting time, fines, and other remedies.

Where Ellis County Visitation Cases Are Heard

Child visitation and family law matters in Ellis County are filed and heard in the 378th Judicial District Court in Waxahachie. Our office is one block away. When urgent action is needed, whether through an emergency motion or a last-minute hearing, that proximity matters.

Supervised Visitation in Ellis County

When a court orders supervised visitation, families in Ellis County have access to Ollie’s Place, operated by the Ellis County Children’s Advocacy Center. It provides a therapeutically supervised environment staffed by licensed professionals, with on-site law enforcement for added security. We can explain what a supervised visitation order means for your case and what steps may lead to its modification over time.

Ready to talk through your situation? We offer free consultations for Ellis County visitation matters and take calls and texts around the clock. Contact us today at (214) 903-7722.

Why Choose The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford?

A Powerful Defense Team Working for You
All Initial Consultations Are FREE of Charge
Se Habla Español
Board Certified as a Specialist in Criminal Law by Texas Board of Legal Specialization
We Take Your Calls and Texts 24/7 - Here When You Need Us
Client & Peer Reviewed 5 Stars for Quality Representation
Handled over 5000 Cases and Over 350 Criminal Cases Taken to Jury Trials
Extensive Courtroom Experience and Longstanding Reputation with Local Judges

Why Ellis County Parents Choose The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford

Attorney Crawford has been named a Texas Super Lawyer every year from 2020 through 2025 and a Texas Rising Star from 2016 through 2020, with publication in Texas Monthly and Super Lawyers magazines from 2021 to 2025. The firm holds a 10.0 Superb Avvo Rating and is a member of the National Trial Lawyers Association Top 100 Trial Lawyers Executive Committee. His Board Certification as a Specialist in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization reflects the disciplined, rigorous legal practice he brings to every matter we handle.

Our firm has handled more than 5,000 cases, and the team behind each one includes three attorneys, four paralegals, and a private investigator. Family law paralegal Kim Sharp Williams works directly on family matters, giving clients in visitation cases dedicated support throughout the process. Attorney Crawford’s approach is straightforward: his clients come first.

Mistakes to Avoid in Visitation Cases & Non-Parent Rights

How you conduct yourself during a visitation dispute affects what a court sees when you ask for relief. A few of the most common missteps:

Deviating from the current order, even with good intentions, can be cited against you in a later modification or enforcement proceeding. Follow the existing schedule precisely until a court changes it.
Changing the schedule unilaterally without the other parent’s written agreement or a court order can itself constitute a violation, regardless of which parent makes the change.
Failing to document violations creates a practical problem. Record every instance of missed, blocked, or obstructed parenting time with dates, times, and specific details. That record is what a court can actually act on.

Non-Parent Visitation Rights in Texas

Grandparents and other non-parents with an established relationship with a child may petition for visitation rights under the Texas Family Code in limited circumstances, including a parent’s death, incarceration, a finding of legal incompetence, or the absence of any court-ordered possession or access. The bar is meaningful: Texas courts strongly presume that a fit parent’s decisions about non-parent contact are correct. Any petition filed over a parent’s objection must show that denying access would significantly impair the child’s physical health or emotional well-being.

Continue Reading Read Less

Start with a Free Consultation About Your Parenting Time

If your time with your child is being threatened or ignored, don’t wait. The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford offers free initial consultations for visitation matters in Ellis County. We’re available by call or text 24/7 and can move quickly when the situation demands it.

Call or text (214) 903-7722 to speak with a child visitation lawyer serving Ellis County.

What to Expect When You Work with Our Firm

Your first consultation is a direct conversation about your situation. We listen, ask the questions that matter, and can explain your rights and options under Texas family law in plain terms. From there, we develop a strategy tailored to your case, not a template.

We gather evidence, document the other party’s conduct where relevant, and prepare arguments for court. In many Texas counties, mediation is required before a visitation dispute proceeds to a hearing, and we represent clients through that process as well. If mediation doesn’t resolve the matter, or if the situation calls for immediate court action, we take it before the 378th District Court in Waxahachie. Every step is handled by your legal team, and you stay informed throughout.

Continue Reading Read Less

Contact The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford Today!

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
🛡️ Please enter the above verification code:
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from The Law Office of Michael J. Crawford at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy