713-333-4430Most Common Custody Battles
In an ideal world, co-parents would always agree on potential custody arrangements. They’d both be focused on what’s best for their children and cooperate to create a schedule that helps their children thrive. Unfortunately, it’s not always that easy. When there are drastic disagreements about who’s a more capable parent, where the child should spend most of their time, or where the child should live, custody disputes are inevitable. With the help of a child custody attorney, you can advocate for your child and yourself.
When you choose attorney Shannon L. Boudreaux at Boudreaux Hunter & Associates, you benefit from her decades of experience in family law. With extensive experience in all types of family structures, she goes to the heart of the matter and advocates for her clients and their children. Learn more about your options now by calling our child custody law firm at 713-333-4430.
Visitation and Possession Schedule Conflicts
In general, the state of Texas prefers joint conservatorship that allows both parents to contribute to their child’s important life decisions. The state of Texas prefers that the non-custodial parent have a Standard Possession Order. However, if one or both parents believe that the other should have less time, that can lead to significant disputes regarding the visitation schedule. A parent who used to be a stay-at-home parent may argue that keeping them as the primary parent preserves the child’s sense of stability; the parent who was the breadwinner may argue that they are more financially capable of meeting the child’s needs. There may also be arguments over how holidays and school breaks are split, particularly if one parent has a less flexible work schedule than the other. Working with a family lawyer in Texas can help you evaluate different custody and visitation arrangements.
Parental Decision-Making Authority
Whether co-parents have a sole conservatorship or joint conservatorship, there may be significant disagreements about important decisions in the child’s life. They may argue about what type of school the child should go to, or what type of medical treatments the child should or should not receive. If parents are unable to come to an agreement, the court may give one parent exclusive decision-making authority in one or all areas.
Relocation and Move-Away Cases
Relocation cases are one of the hardest and most complex areas of child custody, and talking to a child custody law firm is always in your best interest. When one parent wants to move away with the child and the other does not want to permit the move, there’s a good chance that the matter will end up in front of a judge. The court may require the relocating parent to prove that their decision to move is in the child’s best interest, while the other parent gets a chance to prove that staying in the current location is what’s best for the child.
Allegations of Parental Abuse or Inability to Parent
Cases involving abuse or parental unfitness are extremely serious. In some situations, these cases end up in the hands of the Department of Family and Protective Services. When one parent suspects or outright knows about abuse, substance abuse, neglect, or a general inability to parent, they may petition the court to change the custody and visitation arrangement. It’s not uncommon for the accused parent to deny these claims.
While the court takes these accusations very seriously, they do require evidence before they take action. If there’s credible evidence, the court may opt to require custody evaluations, drug or alcohol testing, rehabilitation, or supervised visitation. If you’re working with a child custody lawyer, they may provide guidance regarding what the court is likely to require from the other parent.
Child Preference and Teenage Custody Battles
Child custody gets more complex as the child grows, thanks to children’s changing preferences and needs. When parents and children alike have strong opinions about what the right custody arrangement is, serious disputes often follow. Teens may feel infantilized or ignored if their preferences aren’t heard, while parents may feel that teens are making decisions based on what gives them the most freedom—not what is necessarily best for them. The court listens to what teens and preteens prefer, but ultimately, they decide what is best for the child.
Protect Your Rights as a Parent With Boudreaux Hunter & Associates
No matter which type of custody dispute you’re dealing with, our team of child custody attorneys is here to help. Schedule a consultation now by calling us at 713-333-4430 or contacting us online.
Attorney Kevin Hunter at Boudreaux Hunter & Associates, LLC has experience with child custody, spousal support, high conflict divorce, and is fully equipped to guide you through the process. Learn more about Kevin on his profile here.
