How Custody Is Decided

Contact Our Compassionate Houston Divorce Attorneys Today!

One of the most difficult parts of a divorce is deciding child custody. Some parents are lucky enough to be able to agree with each other on which parent has physical custody; however, not all parents can agree on how to share a child’s time. Most states, including Texas, base child custody decision on the best interest of the child, meaning the most ideal possible circumstances for him or her. If you need help negotiating custody, don’t hesitate to call our skilled Houston family attorneys. The Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny can offer you and your family more than 30 years of combined legal experience. Call our office about your case today.

Contact us at (713) 936-2300 or fill out our online form to schedule your case consultation today.

Factors in Court Decisions

The child’s best interest will be based on a number of factors related to all involved, children, parents, and relatives alike. These factors will likely include the following:

• History of contact between each parent and child
• Relationship between each parent and child
• Health and safety of the child
• Health of the parents
• Where each parent lives
• How close the parents are to each other
• Each parent’s finances
• Any history of child abuse
• Child’s wishes
• Emotional and physical needs of the child
• Each parent’s parenting abilities
• Stability of each home

The court will ensure each parent has sufficient contact with the child, except in the event of a history of child abuse. Most courts will attempt to foster a healthy relationship between each parent and his or her child because it is in most children’s best interests to have both parents involved in their lives.

Depending on the circumstances of the case, the court may make other considerations. Likewise, children over the age of twelve can indicate their preference to the court, but a judge may still overrule that consideration if the decision is not in the child’s best interest.

Contact Our Skilled Attorney Today!

If you are concerned about the court’s decision regarding child custody, discuss your particular situation with an experienced Houston divorce attorney. We have seen many child custody decisions made and can give you legal advice concerning the strength of your case. Talk to one of our empathetic lawyers in a case consultation today.

Call us at (713) 936-2300 or fill out our online form to get in touch with us. We look forward to helping you and your family through this difficult time.