Law

What Does A Child Custody Hearing Involve?

When parents make up their minds to divorce, they believe that they ought to get their child’s primary custody. If they fail to agree, the court steps in and decides on this matter. The judge makes a decision that works in the child’s best interests. Now, if the parents intervene, they impose a lawfully binding parenting plan, and it turns out to be different from what they had wished for. To avoid this, it would be a wise decision to consent to the parenting plan taking the assistance of an attorney. After this, they can submit it to the court. However, it doesn’t always turn out to be a smooth process and affects a child negatively, and in this situation, parents are required to pursue a hearing.

The parents’ expectations

Parents find it pretty tough to make the decision to hire a Houston custody attorney but hiring one works in the best interest of both parents and children. The custody attorneys advocate for their clients all through the process of custody. Family differs from one state to another, and Texas possesses its Family Code that includes child custody standards. Hence, Texas parents must seek counsel from only experienced and skilled custody attorneys.

The parameters

The Texas custody law parameters comprise the following:

  • Health and age of the child or children.
  • Health and age of the parents.
  • Particular requirements of involved parties.
  • Stability of the child’s home environment.
  • The relationship of the child with other family members or siblings.
  • The child’s preference.
  • Any incidence of domestic ferocity in the home.
  • The amount of time a parent can spend with his/her child.
  • The child’s educational requirements.
  • Each parent’s level of involvement in the life of the child.
  • Different other factors that the court feels relevant.

Texas child custody laws

The courts in Texas have sole discretion to determine visitation arrangements and custody, and they are based on the child or children’s best interests. Based on the factors that a person, his/her spouse, or respective legal counsel presents, the judge decides whether he should give joint managing conservatorship that would be split between a parent, his/her spouse, or other guardians that include grandparents or sole managing conservatorship to just one parent. The Texas Family Code summarizes many factors that are related to the best interests of the child that, include:

  • The site of the home of the parents is related to friends, schools, family members, etc.
  • The financial condition of each parent.
  • The quality and safety of the home surrounding.
  • The availability of each parent, like frequency of travel, work schedules, etc.

Preconceived ideas

Every parent has preconceived notions regarding the working process of child custody which includes the time it will take to settle and the cost. As every relationship involving parents and children is different, there isn’t any definitive timeframe that would resolve this issue. If parents become anxious and look for answers immediately, they must get in touch with a Houston custody attorney as he would be able to assess the parents’ situation besides answering vital questions to make them feel secure and confident.