Most Texas couples divorcing today usually opt for establishing a joint managing conservatorship, or child custody. It is now popularly accepted by many people across the country that parents sharing joint custody of their children can promote the children’s overall wellbeing because it helps keep intact the parental unit even after the spouses have divorced.
However, numerous cases have been found where the children’s wellbeing has been compromised by shuttling between two houses especially where the parents continue to be hostile and argumentative when in contact. Since the best interests of the children is the most important concern for Texas courts when determining all cases of conservatorship, sole managing conservatorship may be awarded in certain cases where the children’s best interests can be best served by living the majority of time with one parent.
Parents who are awarded sole managing conservatorship are primarily responsible for the wellbeing of the child in their care. These following various duties are the responsibilities of such parents —
- Determining the minor child’s primary residence
- Being responsible for medical and dental treatment or any other medical procedure for the child
- Determining if the child needs any psychological or psychiatric treatment
- Being the emergency contact for the child for any medical procedure
- Attending any school activity for that child
- Receiving child support from the non-custodial parent or government agencies
- Making all decisions relating to the minor child’s education
The next blog will discuss sole managing conservatorship in further detail so that parents who are in the midst of a child custody case can make informed decisions. If parents find the subject of child custody too complicated, even after reading these blogs posts, they may choose to consult a family law attorney.
Source: FindLaw, “Child custody in Texas,” Accessed on Aug. 21, 2015