Divorce Child Custody

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Divorce law varies from state to state and so do divorce forms. Divorce decisions depend upon the type of relationship you have with other person.

Marriage and cohabitating are two entirely different lifestyles – divorce judges try to make child custody decisions based on the “best interest” of the children.

When couples cohabitate rather than marry, the family law judge in most states grant sole custody of the child or children to the mother, if she is deemed to be a good parent. There are exceptions to this sole custody law if the father can provide evidence that the mother is unstable or unable to function or perform the duties required of a parent.

When the mother isn’t in the home, has passed away or is in an institution the father is granted sole custody over grandparents, aunts, uncles or family friends. The exception to this rule is when the father is unable to provide a home for the children or suffers from chronic addictions, in an institution or has passed away. 

When deciding custody family law judges make final decisions based on the “best interests” of the children – usually the “best interests” of the children supersedes all other laws. A parent is considered to be a fit parent unless he or she is ruled unfit due to personal lifestyle or activities. 

Child custody remains one of the most contentious, heart breaking battles in family law courts. When a good parent allows anger and emotion to dictate their actions they may lose the custody battle before their day in court.

http://www.zoefamilylaw.com/blog/2013/02/texas-father-seeks-sole-custody-of-child.shtml

If a couple is married, judges at times will make the decision to give one parent sole legal custody – this allows one parent to make all major decisions about the child or children’s physical and emotional welfare. 

Often times the judge grants a parent sole physical custody of the children, but grants the other parent visitation rights unless the court feels visitation rights at this time isn’t in the best interest of the children. A judge’s ultimate goal is to allow the children to interact with both parents if possible.

A word of caution about custody battles, if one spouse has legal counsel and one spouse has opted to themselves (pro se,) the spouse with legal counsel will probably get the custody nod from the judge. Of course if the pro se litigant has studied family law, child custody laws and knows courtroom procedures they may win the custody battle – it’s a risk when one spouse has legal counsel. 

Pro se litigants must be prepared to show evidence beyond a shadow of a doubt that they have been the primary caregiver during the marriage. This takes documentation and proof in the courtroom. Child custody battles prove to be a slippery slope that can head any direction – this might be the time to hire legal counsel. 

As Always,

Little Tboca

Divorce - Custody Issues

Once a family law judge gives a final order on custody of the child or children, parents should realize that this is an order etched in stone that must be followed to the letter of the law.  When a spouse blatantly and with intent interferes with visitation rights, this should be brought to the attention of the court.

Do not take the law into your own hands and discontinue child support or alimony payments - before taking this child custody issue back to court talk with the ex. See if there are any mitigating circumstances that may be causing the problem.

If it becomes clear that the ex is misusing the child custody order as set down by the judge, its time to consider having a judge change or revisit the orders that he or she has handed down. The judge will be concerned if the ex's behavior is harming the child or children, you must have proof showing the times the ex has refused, interfered or conveniently prevented you your visitation rights.

The judge isn't going to buy into the story that you are the one being inconvenienced, but he or she will consider changing custody orders if the children are suffering. There are circumstances that may require intervention immediately if the spouse is neglecting the children or struggling with an illness or addiction.

It's always best to consult legal counsel on a child custody problem, because jurisdiction and child custody laws vary from state to state. Before meeting with counsel have a journal that shows date and time that you were refused visitation rights or your ex ignored the judge's orders. If the ex makes it a habit of not picking the children up timely or even waits until the next day without telling you or the children, log this information by time and date. The ex's actions may not be in the "best interest" of the children.

As Always,
Little Tboca
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