Separation and Child Custody
Many Texas couples choose to go through a period of separation before actually filing for divorce. In fact, some couples may even choose separation as an alternative to divorce. For parents, this creates a potentially complicated situation, and it raises an important question: who gets custody during a separation?
At the Law Office of Ben Carrasco PLLC, we have extensive experience handling complex child custody cases. Our child custody lawyer has helped protect the rights of many parents going through a separation. Here, we explain what Texas parents need to know about the state’s rules and regulations regarding child custody during separation.
Types of Child Custody Arrangements in Texas
Child custody, legally referred to as conservatorship, can take several forms in Texas. The state recognizes two primary types: joint managing conservatorship and sole managing conservatorship. Joint managing conservatorship allows both parents to share decision-making responsibilities for the child’s welfare, education, and medical care. However, physical custody may not be equally divided, and one parent may still be the primary custodian.
Sole managing conservatorship, on the other hand, grants one parent the exclusive right to make major decisions about the child’s life. In other words, one parent has full legal and physical custody. This custody arrangement is typically awarded in cases where the other parent is deemed unfit due to issues like abuse, neglect, or substance abuse.
Additionally, visitation rights, known as possession and access in Texas, are determined based on the child’s best interests and the specifics of the custody arrangement.
Both Parents Retain their Rights During Separation
There is no law that says that married couples must live together, or even interact with each other. Separation is an inherently voluntary arrangement. From the view of the law, a separated couple is still a married couple. This matters because it means that, legally speaking, nothing has changed yet. As such, both parents are assumed to retain full custody rights during their period of separation. No parent gets to be in ‘control’ unless there has been a court order.
Texas Courts Can Enter Temporary Custody Order
While parents both retain custody rights during their separation, they do have the right to seek an emergency child custody order or a temporary child custody order. When parents are going through a legal separation, a Texas court may decide that it is no longer in the best interests of the child for parents to share full custody. This can happen in many different circumstances.
In some cases, a parent may be deemed a danger to the child. When that occurs, a Texas court can issue an emergency child custody order. Emergency orders are generally only granted if the petitioner can demonstrate that their partner presents a real risk to the child’s health, safety, and overall well-being.
In other cases, Texas courts may determine that it is impracticable for parents to share custody during their separation. In these cases, the court may enter a temporary custody/visitation order that will stay in place until the case can be heard and a more permanent arrangement can be reached.
Parents Must Be Ready to Enforce Their Rights
As with most child custody issues, collaborative solutions work best. Of course, not all parents are in a position where they can work effectively with their partners. In this type of situation, you need to be ready to take action to protect your parental rights and your child’s safety.
Under Texas law (FAM § 263.307), all custody and visitation issues will ultimately be determined using the ‘best interests of the child’ standard. You may be entitled to get an emergency or temporary child custody order. Alternatively, you may need to take action to prevent your former partner from improperly denying you your custody rights. Unless there has been a court order, you will not automatically lose your custody and visitation rights during a separation period — even if you moved out of the home. The other parent cannot on their own to deny you custody or visitation.
Get Help From Our Texas Child Custody Attorneys
The Law Office of Ben Carrasco, PLLC, handles child custody disputes during separation. With a deep understanding of Texas family law, our firm provides tailored legal strategies to safeguard your parental rights while prioritizing the best interest of your child.
We can assist clients with negotiating parenting plans, mediating disputes, and advocating in court when necessary. Whether you’re seeking joint custody or sole custody, we’ll evaluate your unique circumstances to build a compelling case. Our team is also skilled in addressing complex issues, such as allegations of parental unfitness or the need for modifications to existing custody orders.
At the Law Office of Ben Carrasco PLLC, our Austin child custody lawyers are strong, dedicated advocates for parents. We believe that every Texas parent deserves fully personalized legal representation. To get immediate assistance with your case, please contact our Austin law office today.
