Sharon Ramage has spent her career championing families and children, drawing on her background as a social worker and her extensive legal expertise. As a seasoned family law attorney, Ramage understands the emotional and legal challenges parents face during custody disputes and is committed to helping families navigate these complexities with compassion and clarity.
In this Q&A, she offers insights into supporting children’s well-being, fostering healthy co-parenting relationships, and creating custody arrangements that prioritize the best interests of the child.
What steps should a parent take to support their children’s well-being when they first file for divorce or are served divorce papers?
The most important thing parents can do is to maintain stability for their children. Avoid discussing adult matters such as the divorce proceedings or custody disputes in front of them. Reassure your children that they are loved and that both parents will continue to be involved in their lives. Establish consistent routines to help them feel secure and consider involving a counselor to help them process their emotions during this transition.
How can parents demonstrate to the court that they are committed to fostering a stable environment for their children?
Parents can demonstrate stability by maintaining consistent involvement in their children’s lives — attending school events, helping with homework and participating in extracurricular activities. Keeping detailed records of your parenting efforts, such as a calendar of events attended or notes about caregiving activities, can provide evidence of your commitment. Additionally, fostering a positive relationship with the other parent and avoiding conflict in front of the children shows the court that you prioritize their well-being over personal disagreements.
What factors do Texas courts consider to determine the best interests of the child in custody cases?
Texas courts consider several factors, including the emotional and physical needs of the child, the ability of each parent to meet those needs and the stability of the home environment. The court also evaluates each parent’s willingness to foster a positive relationship between the child and the other parent. Evidence of neglect, abuse or harmful behavior is also heavily weighed, as is the child’s preference, depending on their age and maturity.
What are some strategies parents can use to support a healthy co-parenting relationship after separation?
Effective co-parenting starts with open and respectful communication. Using tools like co-parenting apps can help facilitate scheduling and avoid miscommunication. Parents should focus on making decisions in the best interest of the child and avoid using the child as a messenger or mediator. Attending co-parenting classes or working with a mediator can also help develop better strategies for managing disagreements and working collaboratively.
How can parents address concerns about their child’s well-being if they suspect the other parent is creating a negative impression of them?
If you believe the other parent is engaging in alienating behaviors, document specific incidents and address the issue calmly with the other parent if possible. Avoid retaliating or speaking negatively about the other parent to your child. Seeking support from a counselor can help your child process any conflicting emotions and provide a neutral perspective. If the behavior persists or becomes harmful, consult your attorney to discuss potential legal remedies.
What options are available for parents when their child shows reluctance to visit the other parent?
It’s important to follow any court-ordered visitation schedule. However, if a child resists visiting the other parent, talk to them to understand their concerns. Encourage open dialogue and remind them of the importance of maintaining a relationship with both parents. In some cases, family counseling may be beneficial to address underlying issues. If the reluctance stems from safety concerns, consult your attorney immediately.
How should a parent handle situations where they believe the other parent’s substance use may endanger their child?
If you suspect substance abuse, ensure your child’s immediate safety by avoiding unsupervised visits. Document any concerning behavior and seek legal guidance to request temporary orders or modifications to the custody arrangement. The court can require drug or alcohol testing and, if necessary, order supervised visitation until the issue is resolved.
What should parents do if mental health concerns arise with one parent that could affect child custody or visitation?
When mental health concerns become apparent, it’s critical to document behaviors that may impact the child’s safety or well-being. Courts can order psychological evaluations to assess a parent’s capacity to care for their child. If the concerns are severe, emergency orders may be necessary to modify visitation temporarily. Encouraging treatment and focusing on collaborative solutions can also help ensure the child’s best interests are prioritized.
Is there a legal age in Texas when a child’s preference on where to live is considered binding in custody cases?
No. While children aged 12 and older can express their preference to the judge, this does not mean their choice is binding. The court will consider the child’s preference along with other factors, such as the stability and safety of each parent’s home, before making a decision.
How can parents work with their attorneys to create a child custody arrangement that prioritizes the child’s emotional and physical needs?
Parents should be clear about their goals and provide their attorneys with detailed information about their child’s needs and routines. Open communication with your attorney is key to developing a parenting plan that accommodates school schedules, extracurricular activities and other important factors. Be willing to collaborate and consider the child’s perspective when crafting a custody agreement to ensure it supports their overall well-being.
