When parents end their marriages, they often face complex issues regarding conservatorship (custody) and possession and access (visitation). Typically, both parents have the right to participate in their children’s lives unless there is evidence of neglect or abuse. It is vital to contact a Fort Worth child custody lawyer who has the experience, support, and expertise needed to secure a positive outcome for your case.
Family law judges in Texas prioritize the best interests of the child when making decisions concerning conservatorship and custody. They will take into account a variety of factors, including the relationship between the child and each parent, how well the child adjusts to different living arrangements, and any history of domestic violence. Courts may also appoint professionals, such as psychologists and social workers, to conduct evaluations and provide recommendations on how to determine the best possible custody arrangement.
The court will also consider how easily each parent can meet the child’s educational and medical needs, and whether or not they live close to the child’s school and healthcare providers. In addition, the court will assess any evidence of past abuse or neglect and make appropriate accommodations to ensure the safety of the child.
Parents can sometimes agree on a parenting plan outside of court, which may allow for joint legal custody with one parent having primary physical custody while the other has visitation rights. If both parents are able to reach an agreement, they can submit it to the court for approval. However, if parents cannot come to an agreement, the judge will decide conservatorship and visitation arrangements.
In some cases, a temporary custody order may be issued while the divorce is pending. The purpose of a temporary arrangement is to maintain stability for the child until the final decision is made.
After a judge makes a final decision regarding custody and visitation, it is important to understand that this is usually permanent. While the judge will consider both parents’ abilities to raise the child and their ability to meet the child’s needs, there is no guarantee that either parent will be granted custody.
In some cases, one parent may request a modification of the existing order if circumstances change. For example, a parent may need to move far away from work for a new job opportunity, or the other parent may have experienced a major financial change. If either of these changes is significant, the judge can modify the current order to reflect the new circumstances. It is also common for parents to pay child support in lieu of custody. In these situations, the non-custodial parent pays a set amount of money to the custodial parent each month to help financially support their child. Regardless of how the custody order is structured, both parties must follow the court’s guidelines. In some instances, parents are required to attend parenting classes before the judge will approve the custody order. This helps both parties to learn more about the legal process, and prepares them for a successful child custody agreement. Click here to contact the #1 Family Attorney in Fort Worth, TX.
