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What Factors Impact Me Gaining Full Custody in My Divorce

What Factors Impact Me Gaining Full Custody in my Divorce?

  • Texas Family Law

Going through a divorce is undoubtedly a challenging and emotionally charged experience. When children are involved, custody arrangements become a pivotal concern for parents. If you’re contemplating or in the midst of a divorce, it’s crucial to understand the factors that can influence your chances of gaining full custody. In this blog post, we’ll explore these factors and offer guidance to help you navigate the complex world of custody disputes. For expert advice and support, it’s essential to seek the assistance of a seasoned Houston Divorce Attorney at Renken Law Firm.

 

Understanding Child Custody in Texas

Child custody laws vary from state to state, and Texas has its unique rules and regulations. In the Lone Star State, child custody is commonly referred to as “conservatorship.” There are two main types of conservatorship:

 

Joint Managing Conservatorship: In this arrangement, both parents share the rights and duties of a child’s upbringing. While it emphasizes shared decision-making, it may not necessarily entail equal physical custody.

 

Sole Managing Conservatorship: This grants one parent the majority of decision-making authority and physical custody, often referred to as “full custody.” This is the focus of our discussion.

 

Factors Impacting Your Chances of Gaining Full Custody

 

Child’s Best Interests

The primary consideration in any child custody case is the best interests of the child. Texas law places a significant emphasis on maintaining the child’s emotional and physical well-being. Factors that courts may consider in assessing the child’s best interests include:

 

  • The child’s age, emotional and physical needs.
  • Each parent’s ability to provide a stable and loving environment.
  • The child’s current living situation, school, and community ties.
  • The physical and mental health of each parent.
  • Evidence of any history of domestic violence or abuse.

 

Parental Stability

Demonstrating your ability to provide a stable and consistent environment for your child is critical. Courts typically favor the parent who can ensure a reliable schedule, safe living conditions, and a nurturing atmosphere. Factors that might influence your stability include:

 

  • Steady employment and income.
  • Adequate housing and living conditions.
  • A history of active involvement in your child’s life.
  • Co-Parenting Skills
  • Courts look favorably on parents who exhibit a willingness and ability to co-parent effectively. If you can show a history of cooperation with the other parent, this can strengthen your case for full custody. Your Houston Divorce Attorney can help you navigate the legal process to establish your co-parenting abilities.

 

Child’s Preferences

In Texas, children aged 12 or older can express their preferences regarding custody. While the court may take these preferences into account, they are not the sole determinant. The child’s wishes are weighed alongside other factors, with the overarching goal of safeguarding their best interests.

 

Physical and Mental Health

Your physical and mental health can impact your ability to gain full custody. Demonstrating that you are mentally and physically fit to provide care and support for your child is crucial. If you have a health condition, it’s essential to show how it will not hinder your ability to be a responsible parent.

 

Relationship with the Other Parent

Your relationship with the other parent is a significant factor in custody decisions. Courts prefer parents who can communicate and cooperate effectively in co-parenting. Strive to maintain a civil and respectful relationship with the other parent, and avoid engaging in behaviors that could harm your case.

 

Evidence of Misconduct

Any history of misconduct or behavior that could jeopardize your child’s well-being can be detrimental to your custody case. This may include issues like substance abuse, neglect, or domestic violence. If there are allegations against the other parent, be sure to gather evidence and report them to the appropriate authorities.

 

Support System

Having a strong support system can enhance your custody case. This includes demonstrating that you have family, friends, and other resources that can help you provide a nurturing environment for your child.

 

Parental Involvement

Active involvement in your child’s life is a compelling argument for gaining full custody. This includes participating in their education, extracurricular activities, and healthcare decisions. Document your involvement and commitment to your child’s well-being.

 

Legal Representation

One of the most critical factors in ensuring your chances of gaining full custody is hiring an experienced Houston Divorce Attorney. Legal expertise is invaluable in navigating the complex legal processes and advocating for your rights as a parent.

 

Gaining full custody in a divorce is a complex and emotionally charged process. Texas courts prioritize the best interests of the child above all else, and various factors influence their decision. To maximize your chances of securing full custody, you must demonstrate your commitment to your child’s well-being, your stability, and your ability to co-parent effectively. Legal representation is a crucial element in this journey, and Renken Law Firm in Houston is ready to provide the expertise and support you need. Contact us today to discuss your custody case and ensure the best outcome for you and your child.

 

Understanding the Role of a Custody Attorney

Custody battles can be emotionally and legally intricate affairs, and having a skilled attorney by your side is essential. A Houston Custody Attorney is a legal professional who specializes in family law and can assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome in your custody case.

 

Legal Expertise

Dawn Renken is well-versed in Texas family law, including the specific regulations that govern child custody and visitation. With her extensive knowledge and experience, she can help you understand your rights and responsibilities as a parent, ensuring you navigate the legal system effectively.

 

Objective Advice

Emotions often run high during custody battles, making it challenging to make rational decisions. Dawn Renken provides objective advice and helps you maintain a clear perspective, which can be crucial for making decisions that are in the best interest of your child.

 

Negotiation and Mediation

In many cases, custody disputes can be resolved through negotiation or mediation, rather than going through a lengthy and costly court battle. Dawn Renken can guide you through these processes, striving for amicable resolutions that are better for both you and your child.

 

Court Representation

If negotiations fail, your Houston custody attorney is prepared to represent you in court. Dawn Renken has the expertise to present your case persuasively, ensuring your rights as a parent are protected and that your child’s best interests are upheld.

 

Child’s Best Interests

One of the primary factors that a Houston Custody Attorney like Dawn Renken focuses on is the child’s best interests. Texas law prioritizes the welfare of the child when determining custody arrangements. Dawn Renken will work diligently to ensure that the court considers the following factors:

 

  • Emotional and physical well-being of the child
  • Each parent’s ability to provide a stable and loving environment
  • The child’s age, preference, and adjustment to their current home, school, and community
  • Any history of abuse, neglect, or substance abuse
  • Co-parenting skills and willingness to foster a positive relationship between the child and the other parent

 

A Houston Custody Attorney like Dawn Renken will help you gather the necessary evidence to demonstrate how you meet these criteria and can provide a safe and nurturing environment for your child.

 

Navigating Complex Legal Procedures

Child custody cases involve intricate legal procedures, such as filing documents, presenting evidence, and adhering to court deadlines. A skilled attorney, like Dawn Renken, can simplify these procedures for you, ensuring that all necessary paperwork is filed correctly and on time.

 

Support in Creating a Parenting Plan

A parenting plan outlines the rights and responsibilities of each parent and includes specifics about visitation schedules, decision-making authority, and more. Dawn Renken will help you create a comprehensive and legally sound parenting plan that meets the unique needs of your family.

 

Navigating a custody battle can be an emotionally draining and legally challenging experience. In Houston, Texas, a skilled custody attorney like Dawn Renken can be your invaluable ally in securing the best possible outcome for your child. By providing legal expertise, objective advice, and the support needed to meet the child’s best interests, Dawn Renken can help you through this difficult process. Whether through negotiation, mediation, or courtroom representation, a Houston Custody Attorney is your key to protecting your child’s future. If you find yourself facing a custody battle in Houston, don’t hesitate to seek out the expertise of a seasoned attorney like Dawn Renken, who understands the intricacies of Texas family law and has a proven track record of helping parents secure their child’s well-being and happiness.

 

Contacting a Family Law Attorney in Houston

Renken Law Firm is a trusted resource for family law matters in Houston, TX. Our team of family lawyers is dedicated to providing personalized attention as you navigate through complex family issues, such as custody disputes, divorces, and other familial conflicts. We offer a range of services, including family mediation and adoption, aiming to help our clients find resolutions without the need for costly court litigation. Our clients engage our family law attorneys at Renken Law Firm to ensure the protection of their rights and the best interests of their families.

 

While every family law case is unique, understanding the process can alleviate some of the stress and anxiety that accompanies it. At Renken Law Firm, we have a team of committed professionals who will guide you through every step of your case, from beginning to end. We believe that knowledge is empowering, and we will work tirelessly to provide you with the information and support necessary to make informed decisions for yourself and your family. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, where we can discuss your individual situation and address any questions you may have.

 

Renken Law Firm, PLLC
11500 Northwest Fwy #586
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 956-6767
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Renken Law Firm knows how difficult and painful dealing with these issues can be. We will take your case, and all the turmoil that comes with it, very seriously. You can trust us to not only be relentless in our pursuit of the best possible solution for you, but we will also take into consideration how much this process is both emotionally and financially impacting you. Renken Law Firm can be relentless, but you can always trust us to listen.

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Parents are also obligated to provide health and dental insurance for their children in Texas.The court can order either parent to enroll a child on an existing health insurance policy but customarily orders the child support obligor to do so or to reimburse the cost of the health and dental care premium to the primary custodian of the child.While the terms alimony and spousal maintenance are often used interchangeably, they are very different things under Texas law.They both achieve the same goal during a divorce, however.They both allow one spouse to receive financial support from the other.Renken Law Firm understands the distinction between alimony and spousal maintenance.Our understanding of the difference between these two means of financial support allows us to pursue an outcome that best meets your needs.Along with her ability to aggressively litigate Family Law matters, Dawn Renken is a Licensed Mediator through ADR Services International Inc, since 2014. Traditionally, mediation has been shown to be an excellent option for couples seeking an amicable divorce who ultimately have compatible goals for property settlements and custody disputes.Mediation promotes a compromise that works well for both parties, while making it possible to avoid court appearances and additional attorney’s fees.What is Divorce Mediation?Divorce mediation is a private process in which a neutral third person (a mediator) helps divorcing couples reach a mutually satisfactory settlement of the issues in their case, including child support, custody and visitation, alimony, and property division.A mediator does not act as a judge, arbitrator, or counselor, but assists the spouses in reaching a voluntary agreement.Along with her ability to aggressively litigate Family Law matters, Dawn Renken is a Licensed Mediator through ADR Services International Inc, since 2014. Traditionally, mediation has been shown to be an excellent option for couples seeking an amicable divorce who ultimately have compatible goals for property settlements and custody disputes. Mediation promotes a compromise that works well for both parties, while making it possible to avoid court appearances and additional attorney’s feesDivorce mediation is an affordable and private divorce option, mediation also has a proven history for helping families resolve disputes without the need for a trial. Taking your case to trial typically will increase the amount of time, money, and stress involved in your divorce.While no divorce method is completely stress free, divorce mediation allows both parties to have their needs represented. The divorcing couple will be given the chance to work together to reach an amicable resolution in their case, instead of allowing a judge to have the final say.Dawn Renken, became a licensed mediator through ADR Services International Inc. in 2014. Since this time, Attorney Renken has been working as a Cypress divorce mediation expert with couples to help them work together to reach divorce agreements that are mutually beneficial for their long term needs.The role of the mediator is to simply ensure all important matters are discussed and dealt with, as well as ensure neither party is using bully tactics in order to get the other party to agree to the terms they desire for their divorce. Your divorce agreement is only finalized when both parties agree to the terms of the divorce and sign off on it. If you are unable to work together to reach an amicable divorce agreement, mediation will not be a viable method for divorce. If you and your spouse are actively looking to work through your divorce together, Renken Law Firm can help by offering affordable divorce mediation in Houston, TX.In addition to traditional divorce methods, we excel in providing the best divorce mediation services in Houston, TX. Divorce mediation offers a more cost-effective and private approach, allowing the divorcing parties to determine the final terms of their divorce. To explore this option further, we encourage you to contact our office and learn more about our mediation services.Renken Law Firm understands that many individuals hesitate to initiate the divorce process due to uncertainty and concerns about excessive legal fees. We assure you that our Houston, TX team is dedicated to your success and has a proven track record of achieving client satisfaction.We recognize the emotional toll that divorce takes on families, and we strive to make the process as smooth as possible. Whether your case involves mediated or contested divorce, our attorneys will provide unwavering support every step of the way until your divorce is finalized. Take the first steps toward filing for divorce in the state of Texas by scheduling a consultation with our legal team at Renken Law Firm today.Is Texas an At-Fault State?In the state of Texas, divorce proceedings do not require spouses to provide a specific reason or cause for seeking the divorce, making it a “no-fault” state. However, it is important to note that if one spouse is at fault for the breakdown of the marriage, it may be considered by the court when dividing property. This means that the at-fault party may be responsible for providing more to the other spouse. Although fault grounds are not mandatory, it is advisable for spouses to include them in their divorce petition.At Renken Law Firm, our mission is to advocate for families and help them make the best decisions for their unique circumstances. Our top priority is protecting the best interests of any children involved in the divorce. Our dedicated legal team is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for you and your family. Whether you are contemplating filing for divorce or currently going through the process, contact Renken Law Firm for assistance. We will guide you through this challenging time and ensure that you consider all significant factors that may impact your finances or family dynamics. Reach out to us today to learn more about our comprehensive family law services and how we can support you.The Renken Law Firm has worked hard to earn a reputation for efficiently practicing diligent and focused legal services. During the course of our representation, you can expect expert legal advice in the areas of divorce, separation planning, custody disputes, child support cases, grandparents rights, prenuptial agreements, attorney general cases and enforcement actions.Receive prompt service and protect your rights by contacting us to schedule an appointment. In times of personal crisis we understand that you want answers. As your legal counsel, this firm will provide you with answers and options. Additionally, we will guide you through what you can expect during the process and help you to understand your options and rights as mandated by Texas Law. Our knowledge and experience has provided us with a strong base of strategies and methods to assist you to reach a successful resolution. Once retained, we invite you to demand and expect your case to be handled in an organized, timely, effective and cost-efficient manner. Step 1: Consult Contact Renken Law Firm to schedule your no obligation one hour consultation to evaluate your case. Step 2: Prepare You’ve never been through this. We understand that. We are here for you. Step 3: Negotiate Whether informal negotiation or mediation, you can trust Renken Law Firm’s decades of experience. Step 4: Litigate When negotiation fails, Renken Law Firm is prepared to fight for you at trial with experienced litigators. Your family law case may be the most important legal issue you ever face in your life. It can also be the most emotionally and financially challenging life event you experience. Renken Law Firm knows how difficult and painful dealing with these issues can be. We will take your case, and all the turmoil that comes with it, very seriously. You can trust us to not only be relentless in our pursuit of the best possible solution for you, but we will also take into consideration how much this process is both emotionally and financially impacting you. Renken Law Firm can be relentless, but you can always trust us to listen. © 2023 The Renken Law Firm. All rights reserved. Our comprehensive family law services include the resolution of divorces through litigation, divorce mediation or collaborative law, depending on the specific details of your case. We can take on all matters related to Divorce Practice or dissolution of a common law marriage, including: We are committed to aggressively and efficiently advocating for your rights . We customize our representation to the needs of your case. Throughout the process, we will keep you involved. We will provide honest information about the progress of your case and strive to achieve the best possible outcome. Enforcing Texas Orders Renken Law Firm, PLLC represent clients seeking to enforce the terms of a divorce decree or custody order. You may need to seek to enforce an order when the other parent has failed to pay their court ordered child support or if you have been denied visitation with your child. We have extensive experience with both seeking relief for these types of issues and also defending against these types of cases. Having an experienced lawyer who has handled both sides of the issue provides you a unique attorney who can reasonably anticipate what the other side may attempt to do. If the non-custodial parent refuses to pay court ordered child support or you have been denied visitation, contact us. If you have been accused of nonpayment or denying the opposing party visitation, a possible contempt outcome is jail time. Do not go to court alone, contact Renken Law Firm, PLLC. Enforcement for Delinquent Child Support Child support arrearages not only can lead to wage garnishment, property liens and loss of tax refunds, they can also result in loss of your license to drive, fish, hunt, sell real estate, teach or practice medicine. Whether your problem involves modification or enforcement of family law rights, our lawyers can advise and represent you. Enforcement / Contempt of Court Actions When a parent refuses to honor visitation orders, fails to pay child support or fails to comply with other court orders, the parent is in contempt of court. In most circumstances, it is important that a child is supported by and has meaningful relationships with both parents. That is why it is so important to follow custody, visitation and support arrangements. Failure to do so can jeopardize the child’s well being. If a parent willfully and recklessly avoided complying with orders when it was feasible to do so, the parent may be charged criminally with contempt and could face potential jail time, fines and other consequences. Our attorneys help clients pursue court orders of enforcement. We also defend against actions where enforcement or contempt cases are brought against you unjustly or for spite. Child Support Enforcement Actions If you are facing a child support enforcement action initiated by the Attorney General, Renken Law Firm, PLLC can answer the complaint and try to transfer your case to family court, where your options for a realistic payment plan will be somewhat broader. If you are the parent trying to enforce the terms of a divorce or paternity child support order, we can help ensure that your right to payment is brought current as quickly as possible.