Putting Your Children First In Custody Decisions
When a Texas couple separates or divorces and they have minor children together, custody decisions need to be made that are in the best interests of those children. For many parents, this is one of the most emotional aspects of divorce.
Texas law uses the term “conservatorship” when referring to custody. Parents may agree on a conservatorship arrangement themselves or, if they cannot agree, a judge will make that decision using the best interests of the children as a guideline. Branch Law Firm can help you navigate the legal processes with your family’s priorities at the forefront.
Understand Types Of Conservatorship
Child custody arrangements may vary as follows, depending on unique family characteristics:
Sole managing conservatorship: With this arrangement, the children live with one parent, while the other parent will be granted a limited possession of and access to the child (Texas legal terms for visitation). This situation is typically reserved for cases where there has been discord or even violence in the family home.
Joint managing conservatorship: This custody arrangement allows parents to raise their children together, which is why it is the ideal outcome. The children will stay with one parent the majority of the time, but the other parent will have regular visitation, and both parents will make decisions regarding their children’s schooling, health care and religious upbringing.
In Texas, each parent must present a plan to the court, which will review them. If the two plans are identical, the proposed arrangement will likely be approved. If there are key differences, the court will make the ultimate decisions using input from the parents as a basis.
Even when parents don’t get along, they are usually able to agree that a stable home environment is important for their children. When they are willing to set aside their personal differences and agree on a fair and practical conservatorship arrangement, both parents and children will benefit.
Let Us Help You Help Your Kids
You love your children, and happy children make happy parents. You deserve to remain a central part of their life as they grow up. Get the legal counsel you need to pursue a custody arrangement that puts their needs first while honoring your parental rights.
To discuss how to protect your parent-child relationships despite a divorce or separation, contact the experienced child custody team at Branch Law Firm by calling (210) 229-2088 or by completing our online form.
