Divorce could prove challenging for children, and parents may have to work through differences to prevent psychological and emotional harm. However, differences on the subject of child support could prove challenging to overcome. Fathers may worry about how the Texas family courts will treat them or what to expect. Hopefully, the court will rule based on facts, evidence, and fairness under the law.
Fathers and child custody
No differences exist under the law regarding mothers or fathers. A father who seeks sole or joint custody won’t contend with specific statutory rules or laws designed to hurt their cause. That said, both parents must deliver on the child’s best interests.
In addition to understanding the court’s focus on the child’s best interests, parents must realize different custody categories exist. A parent could have sole or joint legal custody, which affords a parent decision-making powers over the child’s health, education, religious upbringing, and more. Some may confuse that with physical custody, a category that involves where the child will reside.
Child custody hearings and decisions
Expect the court to look at documents related to financial support and the family relationship when making child custody decisions. Statements that reveal payments to cover a child’s living expenses could work in a parent’s favor. Text and phone logs showing a close relationship may help. Expect the court to take any reports of troubling behavior seriously, as well.
The court would not likely look fondly upon a parent who places a child in a troubling situation. Parents battling substance abuse or gambling addictions may not be capable of providing a safe and stable home environment. Although the parent might deeply love the child, too many negative traits exist to deserve sole or joint custody. Safety concerns might lead to the court requiring supervised visitations.
