Supervised Visitation Violations: What to Do If Your Ex Ignores a Court Order in San Antonio, TX

On Behalf of Kevin E. Sralla | April 15, 2025 | Blog

As San Antonio family lawyers recognize, complying with Texas law governing child custody often presents challenges for a parent, especially when the non-custodial parent violates a court-mandated supervised visitation order. Supervised visitation violations disrupt schedules and compromise the safety and well-being of your child, whose best interests must come first.

Are you a concerned parent in San Antonio dealing with this situation? It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure about your next steps. With the strength of a giant and the heart of a neighbor, Sralla Family Law, PLLC, offers experienced, compassionate support to protect your child’s best interests and offer you peace of mind.

What Is Supervised Visitation, and Why Does a Judge Order It in San Antonio, Texas?

Supervised visitation, a court-ordered arrangement, provides a safe and controlled environment for a parent to spend time with their child. A judge typically orders it when deciding custody arrangements when they have concerns about a parent’s ability to safely or responsibly care for the child during unsupervised visits. In a child custody case, these concerns can arise due to several factors, such as:

• History of domestic violence
• Substance abuse problems
• Neglect or child abuse allegations
• Mental health concerns

During supervised visitation, a neutral third party monitors interactions between the parent and the child to keep the child safe and foster a positive relationship with the visiting parent under controlled circumstances.

But what happens in San Antonio, Texas if the other parent disregards this court order?

San Antonio Family Lawyers Explain the Seriousness of Violating a Court Order

When a court orders supervised visitation, it’s not a suggestion; it’s legally binding. For the non-custodial parent and the child, ignoring or failing to comply with the terms of the order can have serious consequences. Violations can take many forms, such as showing up to a supervised visit without the approved monitor, trying to remove the child from the visit without permission, or refusing to attend altogether.

These actions can:

1. Disrupt the child’s sense of stability and security.
2. Damage a parent-child relationship.
3. Impact custody arrangements in the long term.

Since Texas courts vigorously enforce visitation orders and impose consequences for violating them, the custodial parent has legal options to address the situation.

Steps To Take When Your Ex Violates a Supervised Visitation Order in San Antonio

If your ex refuses to comply with a court-ordered supervised visitation arrangement, take the following steps to protect your rights and your child’s health and happiness:

1. Document Everything

Our child custody attorneys know that every detail matters in Texas family court—whether in San Antonio or elsewhere in the state—particularly when proving non-compliance with a court order. Our law office highly recommends keeping a detailed record of each violation, which may include:

• Dates and times your ex failed to appear or failed to follow the order.
• Witness observations, especially from the assigned visitation monitor or facility.
• Text messages, emails, or any form of communication that demonstrates their unwillingness to cooperate.

When seeking court intervention on behalf of your child in a child custody dispute, clear and detailed documentation provides strong supporting evidence.

2. Report the Violation to the Court

When the other parent ignores a supervised visitation order, you must make the court aware of the situation by filing an enforcement motion. This motion should outline how the non-custodial parent failed to comply with the terms of the order and provide evidence to reinforce your claim.

Texas law gives the court ample discretion in handling child custody enforcement. Depending on the severity of the violations and the impact on your child, the court may modify the existing visitation order, impose stricter supervision, and reduce the frequency or duration of visits.

In child custody cases involving more severe offenses, the violating parent could face fines and court sanctions. The severity of the consequences often depends on the type and frequency of a violation. If the non-custodial parent demonstrates a pattern of non-compliance, they will likely receive more restrictive penalties compared to a one-off incident.

3. Consult an Experienced Child Custody Attorney in San Antonio

When one parent fails to fulfill their obligations to their child in supervised visitation, it creates unnecessary hardship and stress for the child and the custodial parent, who must seek a legal remedy.

If you’re in this situation, consult a child custody attorney, who can manage the legal process, prepare your enforcement motion, and present a compelling case to the court. At Sralla Family Law, PLLC, our family law attorneys advocate for our clients’ rights and uphold the safety and best interests of each child affected by a custody dispute.

4. Request a Modification if Necessary

As a child custody lawyer can attest, if the violations persist, it’s time to request a modification of the visitation order to safeguard your child’s best interests. For example, a judge could further limit supervised visitation or impose additional conditions on the non-compliant, non-custodial parent. Because the court’s primary focus is the best interests of the child, repeated violations can demonstrate the urgency of more stringent protections.

5. Focus on Your Child’s Happiness

While you cannot allow the non-custodial parent to continue to violate the terms of the custody arrangements, you should also prioritize your child’s emotional and psychological health. Violations of supervised visitation rights can confuse children and compound the stress they may still be processing because of the divorce. Engage in open, honest communication tailored to their age and reassure them as best you can during a turbulent time.

Your Child Custody Case & The Importance of Taking Action

Ignoring a supervised visitation violation can mean putting your child’s safety and the stability of their routine at risk. You can protect their emotional and physical well-being by acting decisively and seeking legal recourse while holding the other parent accountable for their actions.

At Sralla Family Law, PLLC, we understand that these situations can feel overwhelming—not just because of the legal complexities, but also because of the emotional toll they take. We’re here to help you face these challenges with confidence and peace of mind. From filing enforcement motions to modifying custody orders, we’ll handle the legal details so you can focus on supporting your child.

Frequently Asked Questions About Supervised Visitation Violations in San Antonio, Texas

1. What happens if my ex violates the supervised visitation agreement?
   When your ex violates a supervised visitation order, it directly affects their parental rights. You should document the violation in detail, noting the time, date, and nature of the incident. If your ex’s actions harm the child or are inconsistent with the terms of the custody agreement, you can file a motion to enforce the court order in a Texas family court. Under Texas Family Code §157.001, the court can take actions ranging from stricter supervision to revisiting the terms of the custody arrangement to protect the child’s primary residence and stability.
2. Can I petition for sole custody arrangements if my ex consistently violates visitation orders?
   If the non-custodial parent frequently violates visitation orders or poses a risk to the child, you may petition the court for a modification in the custody order. Texas Family Code §156.101 allows for modifications when there is evidence of a “material and substantial change in circumstances.” Repeated breaches of the visitation order could lead the court to reconsider whether supervised visitation or stricter terms are necessary to maintain the child’s best interests.
3. Do grandparents have any authority in supervised visitation situations?
   Grandparents may play a role in supervised visitation if the court deems them appropriate supervisors. However, the visit must comply with the court’s orders. If grandparents observe a violation during the visitation, they should report it to the custodial parent immediately. Custody issues involving grandparents can also arise if they seek visitation or custody rights under Texas law, especially during or after a divorce where they have a close relationship with the child.
4. Could divorce proceedings complicate supervised visitation violations?
   Divorce proceedings often involve unresolved custody issues that could escalate if one parent fails to comply with supervised visitation orders. Violating these orders may influence the court’s decisions on future custody arrangements, such as awarding sole custody to one parent or imposing stricter visitation terms. Maintaining a record of violations during divorce can influence the decision about the safety of the child’s primary residence during the case.
5. How can I secure my child’s safety if my ex repeatedly violates supervised visits?
   If repeated violations occur, the custodial parent can request an emergency hearing to address safety concerns. The court may temporarily suspend visitation or enforce more stringent supervision guidelines. Texas courts prioritize the child’s well-being, especially in cases where supervised visitation is already in place. Keeping detailed records of violations and seeking legal advice upholds your parental rights and prioritizes your child’s safety.

Have You Been Searching for a Visitation Attorney in San Antonio, Texas? Contact Sralla Family Law, PLLC

Have you been typing “family law attorney in San Antonio, Texas” or “custody attorney near me” into your search bar? The family law attorneys at Sralla Family Law, PLLC, combine the strength of a giant with the heart of a neighbor to represent you in your child custody case. Together, we can work toward a solution that protects your child and safeguards your rights. We’re your San Antonio law allies.

Contact us today at (210) 212-5656(210) 212-5656 or complete our online form to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.

Copyright © 2025. Sralla Family Law, PLLC. All rights reserved.

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

Sralla Family Law, PLLC
542 E. Highland Blvd.
San Antonio, Texas 78210
(210) 212-5656(210) 212-5656
https://www.familylawsanantonio.com/