How Divorced or Separated Parents Handle Visitation Priority at Galveston County Juvenile Detention
When you're divorced or separated, visitation gets complicated fast if both parents want to see the same child. Galveston County Juvenile Detention follows a custody-based priority rule — understanding how it works helps you plan a visit that actually happens.
Divorced parents don't automatically have equal access at Galveston County Juvenile Detention. The parent with legal custody gets first priority. If both parents want the same visitation slot, staff will give the custodial parent's visit preference.
Who can visit: Only parents, guardians, and approved visitors are allowed to visit detainees.
If you're the non-custodial parent and you arrive later, a visit isn't guaranteed - but it's not an automatic no, either. The Intake Officer on duty decides whether to allow a second parent based on available time in the visitation period. "Time permits" really means: what does the schedule look like, and what can staff safely manage that day? Treat it as a limited opportunity, not something you can count on.
Plan around the schedule: The visitation schedule will be made available to parents/guardians no later than the second day of detention. To get the correct schedule, call and ask to speak with the Intake Officer on duty.
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- ✓ Call and request to speak with the Intake Officer on duty to ask for the visitation schedule
- ✓ Confirm the schedule once it’s available (no later than the second day of detention)
- ✓ Plan your visit around the published schedule so you’re not relying on “extra time” at the end
- ✓ Arrive early so you’re not the parent “coming later” when time may already be tight
Since the Intake Officer has discretion over later-arriving parents, how you handle check-in matters. Stay calm and direct. Focus on the practical question: is there enough time left in the visitation period for you to be worked in? Arriving early is one of the few things you can control - it reduces the chance you'll be asking staff to squeeze you in at the last minute.
Before you go: Make sure you’re visiting as a parent, guardian, or approved visitor. If you’re not on the approved list, you may be turned away even if there’s time available.
Expecting a disagreement about priority? Bring documentation that supports your legal custody status. Having custody papers on hand helps staff understand the arrangement and can speed up verification if questions come up at the door. That said, even with paperwork, a late-arriving second parent is still subject to the Intake Officer's discretion and whether time remains in the visitation period.
- Gather custody documentation - bring the custody order or paperwork you rely on (originals or copies).
- Call for the current schedule - request to speak with the Intake Officer on duty and ask for the visitation schedule.
- Verify timing before you leave - the schedule is made available no later than the second day of detention, so confirm you’re planning for the right day and time.
- Arrive early with your paperwork - if a question comes up about priority, you’ll be ready to show what you have without losing time.
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