Texas law presumes a joint custody arrangement, called a “joint managing conservatorship,” is in the child’s best interests. These custody orders carry the full weight of the family courts. They can lead to enforcement actions when either parent intentionally deviates...
Child Custody
How to create a workable holiday visitation schedule
The end of summer is fast approaching, and before you know it, the holidays will be upon us. Parents filing for divorce will likely have a very different upcoming holiday season. The key is to find a holiday visitation schedule that minimizes stress and that actually...
How can I terminate a co-parent’s parental rights?
Texas courts will typically award joint or shared custody to parents who divorce. Unfortunately, the other parent may not be either willing or able to fulfill their parental obligations or may prove to be an unreliable, untrustworthy, or unsafe caretaker. It may...
Divorced parents can face more stress during holidays
The holidays are often a stressful time of year. It can involve end-of-the-year deadlines at work, or it may be additional demands on your time because of social and family obligations. Even the forced cheer in the stores, on television and just about everywhere else...
Understanding child custody modification in Texas
Custody modification is possible in Texas when parents agree to change their parenting plan. Either parent or another family member or guardian who appears on the current agreement can ask for the modification. Factors weighed for modification Families should...
Defining the best interests of the child
The best interests of the child doctrine is the basis of any Standard Possession Order (SPO) or custody issue. As explained previously, all decisions during a divorce involving the children theoretically use the best interests of the children doctrine. Everyone seems...
What is a standard possession order?
We do things differently in Texas. This even applies to family law matters. For example, we use the term “standard possession orders” (SPO) rather than the typically used “visitation” or “custody” terminology. SPOs dictate when each parent (or non-parent) has the...
Can I kick out my spouse during the divorce?
Some people like to take action and initiate real change. So it stands to reason that some want their spouse to leave once it's clear that the marriage is broken and they should file for divorce. If the couple has a fiery or confrontational relationship, this seems...
Alcohol abuse can impact custody agreements
The courts favor joint custody, and many child development experts agree that it is best when both parents are actively involved in raising the children. Nevertheless, a parent’s alcohol addiction can make family life even more complicated and stressful than parents...
Don’t make custody disputes worse
Child custody issues are often one of the most contentious parts of a divorce. They are also a common reason for divorced coparents to file a petition for modification. The reasons for the dispute often involve a "substantial and material" change in circumstances, the...