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.