Custody issues focus on the child’s best interests

When parents battle for custody of their children, it can quickly turn ugly. It is common for parents to lose sight of the best interests of the children when fighting to achieve their own ends. If you are dreading an upcoming custody hearing, you certainly want every possible advantage. However, this may involve impressing the court with your own parenting skills rather than just bashing the other parent.

The main factor the court will be looking for is whether your children’s best interests are your foremost concern. You can demonstrate this by putting on evidence of your best parenting.

What the court wants to see

Ironically, a family court may be most impressed if you show that you are willing to work with the other parent, even if your relationship with your ex is rocky. If you know that your ex is a loving parent and that the children deserve the chance for a relationship with both of you, your acknowledgment of this to the court can go a long way. Judges are not often impressed with someone who tries to keep the kids from their other parent out of spite.

Additionally, the court will want to see the following:

1. That you understand your role as a parent to provide for the basic needs of your children, such as shelter, clothing, food and medical care
2. That you take genuine interest in their education and foster their interests, such as doing homework with them, attending school events and encouraging them to pursue their talents
3. That you have or will have a routine that your children can depend on for stability in their daily lives
4. That you have a safe and loving home environment for the kids
5. That your children who are old enough to express their wishes attest to your loving presence in their lives
6. That you are willing to try building a relationship of trust with the other parent in the best interests of the children by fostering and encouraging that relationship
7. That you are not planning a drastic change in the lives of the children, such as relocation without a valid reason
8. That you yourself provide a good role model of stability in work relationships and personal relationships.

Relocation can be a delicate issue in family court and one that you may find it wise to discuss with your attorney. In fact, having legal assistance when so much at stake is a wise decision. An experienced Board-certified Family Law expert attorney working in Collin County, Dallas County, Denton County, Midland County, Ector County, and surrounding areas of Texas can be a strong advocate in such situations. By working closely with your attorney, you should be able to improve your chances of meeting your custody goals.