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Family Law

Child Custody- an Emotionally Draining Issue After Divorce

When a relationship has come to an end, and either the parents or one of the partners is wishing to seek legal advice with a family law firm, they will likely discuss one of the most divisive topics there is; the issue of child custody and parental rights. Child custody is one of the most emotionally draining issues that any family can face. To many, they fear the worst and this leads to irrational beliefs regarding how their children should be treated. Family law experts understand the concerns that many have regarding child custody and help them work through the situation accordingly. In most cases, when all is said and done, a family law lawyer will work with the father and mother to ensure that both have a voice in the decisions that are made regarding their children.

 

One way that the father’s rights and child custody evaluation are handled by a Texas family law attorney is through a conference call. The attorney may invite the couple to a conference call in which they can discuss their child custody evaluation and any other information that has to do with the case. During the call, the attorney will ask questions about the father’s lifestyle, income, his visitation and parenting plan. In some instances, if the father is in danger of losing his visitation rights, the attorney may advise the couple to agree on a temporary agreement until their attorney is able to iron out the details of the divorce.

 

Each state has different laws regarding issues involving child custody, however, most recognize the equal status of both parents. Typically, family law courts will assign an evaluator to help the parents sort out the details of their divorce. The evaluator, along with a team of lawyers and experts, will review the case and present their findings to the court. If there are any significant differences between the two parents, the court will hear them. The parents’ rights are typically determined by the state, however, the court may allow for modifications if necessary.

 

In cases where one parent has been awarded sole custody of the child, that parent may petition the court for full or partial child support. The court, depending on the circumstances, will order monthly child support payments. Many parents prefer to work out an arrangement that allows for monthly payments that are within their financial means. If neither parent is able to meet monthly child support obligations, the court may provide for a temporary order of support during the course of the divorce process.

 

Grandparents also have legal rights and responsibilities regarding their grandchildren. They must be involved throughout the divorce process and must be notified of any meetings involving the child custody and visitation schedule. If the child has an allowance provided by the grandparents, they must keep that money separate from their own funds. If the child receives more than his or her parents and grandparents combined, a child support payment must be made to the grandparents.

 

As you can see, there are many differences between child custody and parental rights. It is important that you retain the services of qualified family law attorneys who are experienced with these and other issues. A family law attorney should also be familiar with local laws, such as those that govern grandparents seeking custody. He or she can ensure that your legal rights and obligations are not violated, and he or she can help you through the process of separating family finances.