Child Custody in El Paso, TX
We understand that a child custody battle is a personal and highly emotional issue. This is why we’re so passionate about connecting you with El Paso, Texas professionals that will help you fight for your rights as a parent.
What Is Child Custody?
When two parents separate, they must decide on how their children spend time between them. Child custody refers to the right of either or both parents to provide a home for their children and exercise parental rights. In El Paso, TX not all child custody cases go to court, but when they do, courts make their decisions based on what they think is most beneficial for the child.
Types of Child Custody Arrangements in El Paso, Texas
There are three main types of arrangements that can occur. These include full custody, sole custody, and joint custody. In Texas, most family hearings fall under the jurisdiction of the District Courts. If you find yourself going through this process in El Paso you will more than likely come before the El Paso County District Court.
What Is Full Custody?
In a full custody arrangement, one parent receives the majority of the parenting time and maintains physical custody. In most instances, this person also makes the majority of the decisions about the child’s upbringing and has control over decisions related to health, education, and religion. The parent awarded full custody is the primary custodial parent.
Custody agreements can be modified in Texas provided you can prove to the courts that there is a compelling reason, such as an occupational change, or a conflict with another child from a different relationship. You must petition the court to revisit the parenting plan that was submitted in the original agreement. However, you must submit a new parenting plan for the court to turn into a court order.
Additionally, Texas Access states that a modification to the parenting plan is not necessary as long as the parents or guardians agree to behave amicably in the situation. It is only when guardians disagree that the court must be petitioned.
Even when children only live with one parent, the other parent still has the opportunity to be a part of their lives. The custodial parent may allow visiting time or the children may spend a few weekends with the non-custodial parent. In some instances, a parent awarded full custody might still maintain joint custody in practice with their partner for the benefit of the children.
What Is Sole Custody?
Most people do not differentiate between one parent getting the overwhelming majority of the parenting time or rights and sole custody. However, it is important to note the possibility of some parents getting no parenting time or rights at all. The court will provide one parent with sole physical custody if the other parent is deemed an unfit parent.
In some cases, the court may go as far as to terminate the rights of the other parent. This may occur if the parent gets convicted of particular crimes that might endanger a child. An example is child abuse or inappropriate sexual conduct with a child. Texas state laws vary on what might result in parental termination.
What Is Joint Custody?
Joint custody describes the arrangement where both parents of the child split physical custody. When parents share equal custody, the child may spend a week or two on and off with either parent. Some families in El Paso, Texas also practice “nesting”, where both parents move in and out of the home the child lives in when it is their turn to have custody.
Joint custody is the preferred decision from the Texas Courts because they feel it is in the best interest of the child to have both parents involved in the decision-making process. You should remember that joint legal custody is not the same as joint physical custody. Joint legal allows both parents to make decisions regarding the child. Whereas with joint physical custody, the child splits equal time between both. Custody Exchange also reminds parents to factor into their parenting plan if the child will spend time with anyone else, such as grandparents.
In many joint custody arrangements, one parent may retain complete responsibility. This is for any major decisions that have to be made in regard to the well-being of the child. Also, joint custody does not always mean an equal sharing of time. In most instances, one parent still retains primary custody. In these cases, they may hold the larger portion of a 60/40 time split.
The Factors Courts Consider When Making a Decision
In El Paso, Texas full custody is often awarded when one parent isn’t able to contribute to the responsibilities with raising the child. For example, if a parent is physically incarcerated, doesn’t have financial stability, or is involved in situations that may potentially hurt the child, the court may grant one parent full or sole custody due to the circumstances.
On the other hand, joint custody is often provided to the parents. Both parents assume the responsibilities that one needs to raise a healthy and happy child. Both parents need to be able to work together to maintain consistent communication and follow the directions of the court. Sometimes parents do not work well together. Then the court is sometimes more likely to award one parent the majority of the parenting time to reduce friction.
With El Paso joint custody cases, both parents need to coordinate resources and activities to support the needs of the child. The situation of your custody arrangements might vary. There may be supervised custody arrangements for one parent. Another option is a public meeting place for the child to be picked up and dropped off with the other parent.
The Basics of the Child Custody Process
Custody arrangements in El Paso, Texas are often subject to family court orders and decisions. However, this is not always the case. Even when the split is amicable, hiring a child custody lawyer can help. Navigate the troubled waters of your custody battle with legal help. Many parents are able to come together to find a solution that works well for the child. Oftentimes without needing to involve the court system.
If parents cannot come to an agreement on a parenting plan, then the court will mandate mediation to resolve their differences, according to the Texas State Law Library. This process will allow both parents to sit down with a neutral, emotionally detached third party. Then, they can attempt to finalize a parenting plan without emotional baggage. However, you should remember that the court assigns the mediator. They must be treated with the same respect as the court. Of course, you should voice your opinions and make your desires known. However, everyone in the process must be treated with the same respect as an officer of the court. An experienced attorney in El Paso can help you in this difficult time.
Working with an El Paso custody lawyer as a mediator can help to advise you on the best type of custody arrangement that would work for the unique requirements and needs of your child. Hire an experienced child custody lawyer to help you better understand your rights as a parent and avoid costly mistakes.
Work With an Experienced El Paso, Texas Child Custody Lawyer
A child custody battle is a difficult and frustrating process. This is worse when there is animosity between you and the other parent. An El Paso lawyer that specializes in this area can help to explain the entire process of the child custody battle and can help to make a positive impact on your case whether they mediate the arrangement or defend one party.
Hire a dedicated and passionate child custody attorney in El Paso, Texas. Your chances of seeing a custody agreement and visitation rights that are favorable for you will be much more likely. If you’re looking to hire an experienced child custody lawyer to help you understand your rights as a parent, you’ve come to the right place.
The attorneys we connect people with can increase your chances of getting the arrangement you seek, even in complex cases. Connect with an experienced lawyer in your area today. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Texas state lines.
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