For parents beginning a divorce or unmarried couples splitting up, child custody is one of their biggest concerns. The legal process to determine conservatorship and visitation rights is complex, and emotions often run high in these cases. The right Fort Worth child custody lawyer can be a steady compass to guide their client through these uncertain waters.
When a family law court in Texas decides on conservatorship and visitation arrangements, it typically makes the best interests of the children its priority. That means a judge will weigh several factors when making these decisions. Some of the most important considerations are listed below.
The relationship between the parent and the child.
A parent’s bond with their child is a big factor in determining custody arrangements. Unless there is a clear threat to the child’s well-being or a history of abuse, courts generally believe that a strong relationship with both parents is in the best interests of a child. However, this does not necessarily mean that a child will live with each parent equally, and the amount of time each parent has with their child will depend on many factors, including the distance between the parents’ residences, the work schedules of each parent, and the overall quality of the child-parent relationship.
The ability to promote a child’s social and emotional development. A key consideration for Texas family courts is whether a parent can provide a nurturing environment for the child and help them develop into a mature, healthy adult. During a custody hearing, judges may request information from experts to assist them in this determination. The expertise of a psychologist, for example, can be very helpful in evaluating the quality of a parent’s parenting skills.
Other important considerations include a child’s preference, school involvement, and the parent’s home and financial situation. The court will generally allow a child to voice their preferences and make their case to the judge, but it is not necessarily a guarantee that they will win. It is also important to remember that the court will not necessarily grant a request for sole custody to a parent who has been guilty of domestic violence or other crimes against children.
In order to file for custody or modification of visitation and/or custody, parents must first establish residency in the state of Texas. Once this has been done, the parents must file the proper paperwork and serve the other party with a copy of the filed documents. A court may then hold a hearing to determine the conservatorship and/or visitation arrangement that will be most beneficial for the child or children involved. If you are in need of a reputable, dedicated Fort Worth child custody attorney to help with your case, contact Hatton & Hatton today. We offer free consultations and will do everything possible to ensure the best outcome for your child-related matters. We have extensive experience in family law, and founding partner Nathan Hatton was on the dean’s list while attending law school.