When a couple decides to go through with a divorce, one of the major questions they will have to answer is who gets custody of the children. This is an incredibly important decision that can have a lasting impact on everyone involved. In Texas, the court will prioritize the best interests of the child when making this determination. The court wants both parents to collaborate together and consider what would be best for the child in order to reach an agreement that benefits all parties involved.
When determining which parent should have custody, the court evaluates many factors including each parent's potential ability to meet their children's needs financially, emotionally, and spiritually. Effects on siblings are also taken into account and any history of family violence is carefully considered when deciding who should get custody rights. The judges will make sure any visitation rights or joint-custody arrangements that either party suggests aligning with the best interest standard set by Texas law when deciding who should keep the kids post-divorce. Ultimately, it is always important for divorcing parents in Texas to remember that the court's primary goal is always to provide a safe, healthy environment for their children during this difficult time.
Filing for Divorce With ChildrenWhen a couple decides to file for divorce with children, the first thing they will need to consider is where the child or children will live. Generally, the parent with primary responsibility for the care of the child at the time of separation will be allowed to remain in their home and have temporary physical custody pending a decision in court. To make that determination, a Temporary Orders Hearing can be requested by either parent in order to present evidence, allow both parents to testify, and decide who gets to stay with the kids and what happens to their shared estate. During this hearing, many factors are taken into account such as which parent typically cared for and nurtured the child before separation and any other pertinent information or circumstances related to their care. The court may also consider how disruptive it would be for all involved if there were changes in who had custody during this period. In addition, input from social workers might provide insight into what is best for each individual situation. Ultimately, decisions made during this hearing should always reflect what is best for not only each parent but especially for the well-being of their shared children.
Temporary Custody Orders Hold Significant Importance.Temporary custody orders are an important part of the divorce process for families with minor children because it helps to create a sense of stability during this difficult time. In these temporary orders, courts typically determine the rights and duties of both parents and their child, as well as what type of conservatorship is best for the child's safety and health. These orders also address who will have visitation rights with the child, how that visitation will take place, and how much financial support each parent should provide while the divorce is pending.
As a result of these temporary custody orders, both parents can schedule visits with their children in a safe and structured environment. This allows minor children to continue to form healthy attachments to both parents while protecting them from any potential disruption caused by disputes in the home. Furthermore, these orders help to protect minor children from financial instability by making sure that sufficient amounts of money are provided for basic needs like food, clothing, and housing. Temporary custody orders help families weather a tough time by providing guidelines on how to best care for their beloved children during a divorce process.
Preparing for Temporary CustodyOne important thing to keep in mind when preparing for a temporary custody hearing is being prepared to answer questions about your own personal qualities and shortcomings as well as those of your spouse. Make sure that you take the time to think carefully about how you will answer these questions, as this can have a large impact on the outcome of the hearing. Additionally, it's also helpful to have photos of yourself and your children participating in various activities, particularly if they help paint a positive picture of your relationship with them. This evidence can be used to help argue in your favor during the hearing, so having images readily available is an important step in preparing for temporary custody.
Another big factor to consider when preparing for a temporary custody hearing is formulating good reasons why you should be the one who has primary possession of the children. Come up with clear reasons why you are best suited to look after them and make sure you back them up with evidence such as job history stability or interest in extra-curricular activities or hobbies that involve close involvement with the kids.
When Considering Parental Figures, Both Options may be Equally Suitable.When faced with the question of who the primary parent should be, especially if both parents are deemed suitable for the role, courts must look to other factors in order to make their decision. Factors they will consider include things such as who fed and bathed the child, or who took them to daycare and took them to doctor's appointments. These everyday activities can reveal a lot about how each parent interacts with their child and how deeply involved they are in their life. Some courts may even take into account which parent is more financially stable or has better schooling opportunities when looking at which parent is best able to provide for the child.
Overall, it is important that both parents are seen as viable options before determining which one should have exclusive rights as the primary parent. This decision should not come down to just one factor, but rather it should focus mainly on what is best for the child overall in terms of the living environment, safety, and financial stability. Both parents may be great options for primary parenting rights in some cases, but it is ultimately up to the court system to determine who will be best for taking on this responsibility.
Talk to a LawyerAn experienced divorce 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 provide guidance and offer advice throughout the entire process.Contact ustoday at www.thorntonesquirelawgroup.com for a free consultation.