Child Custody: Who Gets the Children?
Child custody and visitation are often sensitive issues that can easily end up in a bitter and protracted court battle. At the office of Lauren Cain Attorney at Law, we take pains to thoroughly explain the issues involved and help our clients achieve a satisfactory result as quickly and painlessly as possible.
Joint Managed Conservatorship
In Texas, it is assumed that parents will have joint managed conservatorship of their children after a divorce. This is not the same as visitation. Joint managed conservatorship gives both parents a right to have a voice in important decisions in a child's life, such as education, health care and religious upbringing.
Child Custody and Visitation
Child custody and visitation involve the physical possession of and access to the child. Typically, one parent is granted primary child custody and also receives child support. The other parent is awarded secondary custody and receives visitation rights.
In the standard custody and visitation arrangement, the noncustodial parent gets the children on the first, third and fifth weekends of the month, certain holidays and during summer vacation.
The court recognizes that this standard arrangement does not work for every family and is open to considering alternatives. There are many reasons to deviate from the standard. For example, one parent may works nights or be stationed abroad as a member of the military.
Shared Parenting
Parents can propose creative solutions to child custody and visitation issues as long as the best interests of the child are served.
Some parents use a shared parenting plan in which children live with one parent for one week and the other for the next. Often parents who share physical custody, will not require the other parent to pay child support.
Modifications
Child custody and visitation arrangements may need to change if one parent wants to move away to accept a new job, for example. Do not make any changes to the custody arrangement without first seeking a formal modification of the court order.
No matter what type of parenting plan is best for your family, it is important to seek the assistance of a lawyer who can advocate in your best interests and guide you through the legal process.
To discuss your case, please contact our law firm today. From offices in Frisco, we represent clients in McKinney, Plano and throughout Collin County.
