Having a court order to establish divorce-related decisions and rules can be helpful for you and your former spouse. However, it might not always be necessary under some circumstances involving child custody and visitation. If both parents have legal custody, they may...
Child Custody
Do stepparents have visitation rights?
When it comes to stepparent visitation rights in Texas, they are not clearly guaranteed. However, the law acknowledges that maintaining a relationship between a stepparent and a stepchild is valuable if it serves the best interests of the child. If your blended family...
Seeking custody as a nonparent in Texas
In custody cases, there is a long-standing presumption that awarding custody to parents is best for a child’s well-being. However, this is not always the case. Although it is not the norm, bestowing custody rights to a nonparent can sometimes be the right decision for...
The impact of a parent’s remarriage on custody arrangement
Going through a divorce is undoubtedly a challenging phase in one's life. However, life goes on, and often, parents find love and decide to remarry. When a parent who has custody of their children plans to remarry, it can raise questions about how this decision will...
How can parents prepare for a custody evaluation interview?
It takes a village to raise a child, but this is especially true during a child custody fight. To fulfill the child’s best interests, the judge can appoint a child custody evaluator or parents can hire private services. A child custody evaluator's primary role is to...
3 Things to know about parenting plans and communication
Drafting a parenting plan as part of your custody agreement may feel unnecessary, but that contract provides you with clear boundaries and expectations for both parents while your children grow up. Parenting plans evolve with changes in society, children’s needs and...
The basics of child custody in Texas
Unlike other states, the legal term for child custody in Texas is conservatorship. Conservatorship is the legal right of a parent to decide for the child and to have their child live in their residence for a scheduled period (physical custody). The type of...
What is a child custody evaluation?
Texas courts take child custody very seriously. They prioritize the children's best interests in various types of family law litigation. The court could also appoint legal representation for the involved child, depending on the circumstances. Sometimes, the court...
How should you split expenses with a co-parent?
A co-parenting plan will contain important information regarding your children and their financial needs. However, surprise expenses will crop up from time to time, which may leave you and your former spouse at odds. When it comes to divorce, splitting expenses with a...
3 ways to deal with a difficult co-parent
Dealing with a problematic parent during a child custody dispute can be a challenging and emotionally taxing experience. However, it is possible to navigate the situation in a way that is best for your child and your well-being. Texas Family Code mandates that parents...