5 Legal Steps to Take When Facing Child Custody Disputes

 
The other parent may have visitation rights through a Standard Possession Order. By contrast, in a Sole Managing Conservatorship, one parent makes the decisions. When in doubt, work with a skilled attorney to understand the nuances of each arrangement and determine the right choice for your situation. View this Friendswood family lawyer to find legal help in Texas.

2. Maintain Documentation

When you’re trying to advocate for yourself as a parent, you’ll need proof of your involvement. Regardless of where you are in the legal process, documentation is a key piece of the puzzle. That’s why it’s so important to track all forms of communication between parents, plus evidence of your involvement in school activities and medical situations.

 
Save your texts and emails. And keep a digital file of photos that demonstrate your responsibility as a parent. Ultimately, you may need to provide these pieces of evidence to support your case in the presence of a Texas judge. Judges want to see consistency and active involvement in a child’s life.

3. Be Ready to File Paperwork

Child custody disputes always involve a healthy dose of paperwork. You may be served paperwork by the other parent. In this situation, the document will include the other parent’s requests, and you’ll need to respond within the given timeframe to steer clear of a default judgment. Typically, this timeframe is around 20 days in Texas.

If you’re preparing the paperwork, the options will vary according to your case. A Petition to Modify Parent-Child Relationship, for example, asks for adjustments to existing orders. Perhaps there have been changes to your job or living situation that might make this necessary.

An Original Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship, on the other hand, is for new custody determinations. Temporary Orders are meant to provide stability and protection for the child while a case outcome is in progress.
These orders could pertain to visitation or child support payments. Sometimes, how temporary orders play out can impact final decisions from a judge. Find reputable legal representation to help guide you through the paperwork process.

4. Try Mediation First

Ideally, mediation should be your first step before pursuing a custody hearing. With this step, you’ll attempt to negotiate a solution for childcare outside the courts. This process lets parents engage in a conversation with the help of attorneys, and it reduces the costs and emotional stress.

 
Even high-conflict situations can benefit from a mediation attempt. Since the environment is neutral and the meeting is structured, it’s often easier to talk openly.

 
Parents should enter a mediation situation knowing what their desires are. But they should also be agreeable to compromises that are in the best interest of their child.

5. Be Prepared If Mediation Does Not Work

Sometimes mediation doesn’t produce fruitful results, and it may be necessary to escalate the situation. In this instance, a court may order a custody evaluation. This will be conducted by a licensed professional, and it is meant to examine each parent’s home environment and their involvement with the child.

 
The evaluation will also identify the child’s needs to feel comfortable and supported. And if there is a history of neglect or other red flags, those will be noted.

 
For any parent, it’s best to be honest and prepared throughout the legal process. That will make the best impression on the judge, as will a willingness to be cooperative. A good attorney will work with their client to ensure they are prepared for these often stressful situations.

Learn How to Handle Custody Disputes

Custody disputes are disruptive to all parties, and it’s important to approach them with a prepared and open mind. Find an attorney with experience in this area to help walk you through the process and negotiate on your behalf.
Prepare all necessary paperwork, and be prompt with all replies to legal requests. And even though emotions can get heated, remember that your goal is to create the best future possible for your child.