When joint custody is granted, both parents are responsible for making decisions related to their child’s health, education, and welfare. This includes decisions about where they will live, what school they will attend, and how much time they will spend with each parent. The court may also order that one parent have primary physical custody while the other has visitation rights or that both parents have equal access to their child. It is important for divorcing couples to understand that joint custody does not mean that they must equally divide all parenting responsibilities; rather it means that both parents must work together to make decisions in the best interest of their child.
Forms of Joint CustodyJoint custody is a form of child custody in Texas that allows both parents to have legal and physical rights to their children. It should be noted that the meaning of joint custody varies from state to state, with Texas having its own definition.
In Texas, joint custody is broken down into two categories: conservatorship and possession/access. Conservatorship refers to the right of both parents to make important decisions regarding the children, such as medical care, education, and religious upbringing. This type of joint custody is also referred to as a joint managing conservatorship. Possession/access refers to physical custody, which includes deciding which home will be the primary residence for the children and establishing visitation rights and schedules for each parent.
In order for joint custody to be established in Texas, both parents must agree on how they will share legal and physical rights over their children or a court must decide on an arrangement that works best for all parties involved. Joint custody can be beneficial for both parents and children because it allows them to maintain relationships with both parents while still having stability in their lives. It also allows each parent to have an equal say in making decisions about the child’s life.
Decisions Impacted by Joint CustodyJoint custody is a legal arrangement that allows both parents to have an equal say in the major decisions impacting their children. This means that each parent has a responsibility to work together and make decisions that are in the best interest of their children. When it comes to health care, both parents must agree on what type of medical treatment is necessary for their child. This includes deciding which doctor or specialist to see, as well as any medications or therapies needed. With psychiatric decisions, both parents must agree on any mental health treatments such as counseling or therapy for their child.
Education is another important decision that needs to be made jointly between the two parents. This includes deciding which school the child will attend, as well as any extracurricular activities they may participate in. Lastly, religious upbringing is also something that should be discussed between both parents when making joint custody decisions. Both parents need to come to an agreement on how they will raise their children with regard to religion and spiritual beliefs. Joint custody can be a difficult process but it is important for both parents to work together and make decisions that are in the best interest of their children.
Parental Rights Under a Custody ArrangementWhen it comes to parental rights under a custody arrangement, joint custody is the most common form of agreement. Under joint custody, both parents have equal rights and responsibilities in making decisions about their child’s health, education, and welfare. This includes the right to discuss any issues with medical providers, give consent for medical treatments, obtain information about education or health care treatment, access a child’s education records, and have their opinion considered in decisions about sports and extracurricular activities.
It is important that both parents are aware of their rights under a joint custody arrangement so they can effectively participate in decision-making regarding their child. It is also important that both parents respect each other’s opinions and work together to make decisions that are best for the child. Joint custody arrangements can be beneficial for children as it allows them to maintain relationships with both parents while ensuring that their needs are met.
Creating a Parenting Plan can be beneficial in Order Making Shared Custody Work EffectivelyJoint custody is the presumption in Texas when it comes to child custody arrangements. Judges believe that children benefit from having both parents equally involved in their lives and making key decisions together. If no other factors were considered, a judge would likely award joint custody to the parents. However, this does not mean that the two parents will automatically work together seamlessly without any further guidance.
Under Texas law, a parenting plan or custody agreement is required to clarify the roles and responsibilities of both parents when it comes to joint custody. This plan should include details such as how much time each parent will spend with the child, who has legal decision-making authority, and how disputes between the two parents will be resolved. Having a clear and detailed parenting plan can help ensure that joint custody works out for everyone involved.
Talk to a LawyerAn experienced family law attorney in Harris County, Galveston County, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, Brazoria County, Houston, Sugar Land, Missouri City, and Stafford, Texas at Thornton Esquire Law Group, PLLC, can help you explain and navigate the entire case process. Contact us today at www.thorntonesquirelawgroup.com for a free consultation.