Legal Question in Family Law in California

Yes you have to wait that long. Being an hour late, especially in a situation like that, does not forfeit visitation. You only forfeit visitation if you consistently fail to comply with the custody and visitation plan AND your ex takes you to court and gets an order on it.

I concur with Mr. McCormick. However, your question seems rather focused on you and not your children. I would advise a client in your situation to wait simply and accommodate the father of your children because the visitation is as much for the benefit of the children as it is for your ex. That is the first rule in parenting after divorce - put yourself in your child's shoes.