Going through a child custody battle can be one of the hardest things a parent ever faces. If you’re in San Antonio and fighting for custody of your kids, you’re not alone. At The Cook Law Firm & Associates PLLC, our San Antonio child custody lawyers understand how important your children are to you. We’re here to help you through this tough time and fight for your rights as a parent.
Understanding Child Custody in Texas
First, let’s cover the basics of child custody in Texas. Here, we call it “conservatorship.” There are two types:
- Joint Managing Conservatorship (JMC): Both parents make key decisions for the kids.
- Sole Managing Conservatorship (SMC): One parent makes most decisions.
Courts typically prefer JMC. They believe it’s better for kids to have both parents involved. Yet, usually, one parent decides where the kids live most of the time. This parent is the “primary conservator.”
The Best Interest of the Child
In any custody battle, the most important thing to remember is that the court will always try to do what’s best for the child. This is called the “best interest of the child” standard. The judge will look at many things to decide what’s best, including:
- The child’s physical and emotional needs
- Any danger to the child
- Each parent’s ability to care for the child
- Each parent’s plans for the child
- The stability of each parent’s home
- The child’s wishes (if they’re old enough)
Now, let’s talk about some strategies that can help you in your custody battle.
Be the Best Parent You Can Be
This might seem obvious, but it’s the most important thing you can do. Make sure you’re actively involved in your child’s life. This means:
- Attending school events and parent-teacher conferences
- Taking your child to doctor appointments
- Being involved in their hobbies and activities
- Spending quality time with them
Keep a record of all these things. It can help show the court how involved you are in your child’s life.
Keep Good Records
Speaking of records, keep track of everything related to your child and your custody case. This includes:
- A calendar of when you have your child
- Notes about pick-ups and drop-offs
- Records of any communication with the other parent
- Receipts for things you buy for your child
- School records and report cards
- Medical records
These records can be very helpful if you need to show the court how much you’re involved in your child’s life.
Be Respectful to the Other Parent
Even if you’re angry or hurt, it’s important to be respectful to your child’s other parent. Don’t talk badly about them in front of your child. Try to communicate calmly and clearly. Courts like to see parents who can work together for the good of their children.
Create a Stable Home Environment
Courts want to see that you can provide a stable home for your child. This means:
- Having a safe, clean place for your child to live
- Keeping a regular routine
- Making sure your child gets to school on time
- Providing healthy meals
- Having rules and discipline that are appropriate for your child’s age
Be Flexible and Cooperative
While it’s important to stand up for your rights, it’s also good to show that you can be flexible. If the other parent needs to switch days sometimes, try to work with them. This shows the court that you put your child’s needs first.
Take Care of Yourself
Going through a custody battle is stressful. Make sure you’re taking care of yourself too. This might mean:
- Talking to a therapist or counselor
- Joining a support group for parents going through divorce or custody battles
- Eating healthy and exercising
- Getting enough sleep
- Finding healthy ways to deal with stress
When you take care of yourself, you’re better able to take care of your child.
Be Careful with Social Media
In today’s world, it’s important to be careful about what you post on social media. Anything you post could potentially be used in court. Avoid posting anything negative about the other parent or details about your custody case.
Consider Mediation
Sometimes, parents can work out a custody agreement through mediation instead of going to court. In mediation, a neutral third person helps you and the other parent try to reach an agreement. This can be less stressful and expensive than a court battle.
Be Prepared for Court
If you do have to go to court, be prepared. This means:
- Dressing appropriately (like you would for a job interview)
- Being on time (or even early)
- Bringing all your records and documents
- Being respectful to everyone in the courtroom, including the other parent
- Answering questions honestly and calmly
Work with an Experienced San Antonio Child Custody Lawyer
Perhaps the most important strategy is to work with an experienced San Antonio child custody lawyer. A good lawyer can:
- Explain your rights and options
- Help you understand what to expect in court
- Gather and present evidence to support your case
- Negotiate with the other parent’s lawyer
- Represent you in court
- Help you make decisions that are in your child’s best interest
At The Cook Law Firm & Associates PLLC, our San Antonio child custody lawyers have years of experience helping parents like you. We understand the laws in Texas and in San Antonio specifically. We know how local judges tend to rule in custody cases. And most importantly, we care about helping you and your child.
Remember, every custody case is different. The strategies that work best for you will depend on your specific situation. That’s why it’s so important to work with a lawyer who can give you personalized advice.
Contact Our San Antonio Child Custody Attorneys
Going through a custody battle is hard, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re in San Antonio and need help with a child custody case, contact The Cook Law Firm & Associates PLLC. Call us at 210-740-0281 to schedule a consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and help you fight for what’s best for your child.
Your children are the most important thing in your life. We understand that, and we’re here to help you protect your relationship with them. With the right strategies and the right legal team on your side, you can work towards the best possible outcome for you and your kids.