Couples in Texas may go through many changes and turbulent times, facilitating the need for the end of the marriage. It is by no means an easy decision for most families, especially when there are children involved.
Despite the end of their legal relationship with one another, parents will usually want to continue a bond with their offspring. The benefits of this to both parties, especially children, have been outlined in a previous post here. Courts in Texas also recognize the importance of both parents spending time with their children after a divorce, therefore often the presumption is that parents will have joint child custody, unless there are some special circumstances that prevent it. This means that both parents will have an equal right to make important decisions about their children’s future. This is not to be confused with equal parenting time. Both parents will have a fair share of time, not an equal one.
This is why a parenting plan that outlines a comprehensive visitation schedule is very important. Courts generally create a standard visitation schedule that may not fit the needs of every family; it may not suit their holidays, their free time and their vacations. But, if parents come together and create a visitation schedule that suits everyone, it is beneficial to everyone involved.
At our law firm we understand that couples often cannot work together in the aftermath of a divorce. But, couples may be able to work together through mediation or collaborative law to come to an agreement on the parenting plan. Working together is often the best way to deal with these issues after the end of a marriage, and at our law firm we attempt to help divorcing couples understand their rights and their options in such situations. For more on child custody, visit our page.