Galveston County Parenting Plan Lawyer
In Texas, all decisions regarding parental responsibility, custody, visitation, and child support must be included in a court-approved parenting plan. Every family is unique, which means that there is no typical or standard parenting plan. Instead, parents must draft an agreement that meets the particular needs of their children. At the law firm of Lindamood & Robinson, P.C., we work with parents one-on-one to create a parenting plan that is in the best interests of their child, so if you are considering a divorce, please contact one of our experienced Galveston County parenting pla lawyers who can help explain your legal options.
The Elements of a Parenting Plan
Drafting an effective and appropriate parenting plan requires the parties to take both parents’ schedules and obligations into account. Parenting plans should be detailed and address specific topics, including:
- The rights and duties of each parent, including who will primarily make decisions about the child’s well-being;
- The child’s medical and educational needs;
- A schedule of when each parent will have access to the child;
- A child support agreement;
- What will happen in the event that one parent relocates;
- What steps are required to modify the parenting plan;
- How vacations and holiday time will be split;
- How exchange of the child will occur and which parties will be involved; and
- Who will be held primarily responsible for expenses.
Unfortunately, it is difficult for many couples to come to an agreement on important issues regarding their child, such as visitation and child support. In these cases, family court judges are often forced to intervene and must draft the parenting plan themselves, which leaves the parents with little control over the outcome.
Court-Ordered Parenting Plans
When creating a parenting plan, judges may consider a variety of factors, including, but not limited to the following:
- Which parent was the primary caregiver before the divorce;
- The parties’ willingness to cooperate;
- Whether there is a history of substance abuse, criminal activity, or domestic violence;
- Each parent’s ability to meet the emotional and physical needs of the child; and
- The child’s preference, but only if he or she is over the age of 12 years old.
When drafting the agreement, judges primarily focus on the best interests of the child, but also consider the fairness of the arrangement. Modifying a parenting plan can only be done by court order and requires a showing of a significant change in circumstances.
Contact a Galveston County Parenting Plan Lawyer Today
If you are considering a divorce, it is important to obtain the advice of an experienced family law lawyer who can help couples work out a parenting plan that satisfies both parties and gives them the most control over the terms of the agreement. If you live in Galveston County, please contact one of the dedicated parenting plan lawyers at the law firm of Lindamood & Robinson, P.C. by calling 713-654-2112 or completing a standard contact form. We also serve clients across southeast Texas, including Galveston & Harris County.
