Trying to parent after a divorce can be one of the most emotionally challenging experiences that someone may go through. Both parents want to spend as much time as possible with their children, but that is not always possible when everyone no longer lives together. The best solution is often to compromise and work with your ex-spouse to reach a mutually agreeable parenting plan that addresses both legal and physical child custody in The Colony.

Our skilled child custody attorney could help you resolve your custody issues and work towards an acceptable agreement for you and your former partner. If both parties cannot agree on a parenting plan, our lawyer could fight for your custody rights in court.

Different Types of Custody Issues in The Colony

When parents separate, there can be legal and physical custody disputes. Legal custody gives parents the authority to make decisions regarding important matters in their child’s life, including religion, medical care, and schooling. Physical custody determines where the child lives. Courts in The Colony can split custody issues differently; they can award both parents joint physical and legal custody, both parents legal custody and only one parent physical custody, or grant one parent sole legal and physical custody.

A knowledgeable attorney serving The Colony could explain the difference between physical and legal custody and determine a custody arrangement that serves the family’s best interests.

Parenting Plans Regarding Physical Custody in The Colony

Ideally, parents work together to create a parenting plan that satisfies both parties. In a parenting plan, the parents write out all of the legal and physical custody arrangements.

In The Colony, the most successful parenting plans regarding physical child custody are very detailed in the hopes of avoiding future disagreements. Successful plans address how parents will communicate with each other regarding their children. They also clearly outline parental schedules and address what each parent needs to do and where they need to go in various situations. In addition to detailing the times and locations of child pick up and drop offs, parenting plans should include the potential for modifications on special days, such as the parent or child’s birthdays and holidays. To prevent future conflicts, parenting agreements should also address plans for when a child or parent is sick or if there is a school cancellation. Our dedicated attorney has vast experience helping parents draft parenting plans that prepare for all contingencies.

Best Interests of the Child Determines Physical Custody in The Colony

Unfortunately, not all ex-spouses can agree on a parenting plan. When that occurs, judges in The Colony might need to decide how to divide physical child custody by making a determination based on the child’s best interests. The court would consider all relevant factors, including the following:

  • What each parent wants
  • The children’s ages and needs
  • Stability for the child – the importance of keeping the child in the same community and school
  • Each parent’s health status
  • The ability of each parent to provide for the child
  • The child’s relationships with siblings and other extended family members
  • Which parent provided the most care to the child during the marriage – however, just because one parent was a stay-at-home parent during the marriage does not mean the other parent could not be awarded custody
  • History of domestic abuse, neglect, or addiction
  • The child’s preference – the court might ask their opinion if the child is over 12

An attorney from our firm could help a parent build a strong case for custody by presenting evidence of their relationship with their children.

Speak With an Attorney Today About Physical Child Custody in The Colony

Going through a divorce or separation is challenging enough—you do not need to handle a custody dispute on your own. Work with an experienced legal professional who could help you resolve matters about physical child custody in The Colony.

Contact our firm to explore your legal options regarding custody. We know how to effectively work on solutions that could help your family, and want to put this knowledge to work for you today.

Meet Matt Towson

Our Law Firm’s approach to your case is based on individual circumstances. Whether it is a simple negotiated settlement, or it requires an aggressive approach, we will protect and defend your best interests.

Meet Matt Towson
Meet Matt Towson
Meet Matt Towson