Divorcing when you have young children is hard for most parents. Kids 3 years and younger are vulnerable, which makes both parents feel extremely protective. They both want what is best for toddlers, but each parent may have a different idea of what is best.
A Texas court’s idea of what is best for toddler-aged children in child custody matters may also differ from what you and your co-parent feel. As you can imagine, this can result in conflict for all involved parties. You may find it easier to navigate the child custody proceedings with experienced legal representation.
Another way to ease your journey is by learning ahead of time what family courts look at when approving child custody and parenting plans for toddlers. Examples of what a judge considers include the following.
- Each parent’s history of caring for children
- How close parents live to one another
- Each parent’s physical, mental and emotional health
- Each parent’s social and economic situation
- Preserving the child’s ability to develop healthy relationships with each parent
- Preserving the child’s routine as best as possible
- The child’s physical, emotional, mental and behavioral needs
- The child’s developmental needs
- Each parent’s ability and willingness to care for the child
You should also know that family courts in and around Decatur, Texas, want what is in the best interests of your kids, regardless of their age. Since toddler-aged children benefit from frequent contact with both parents (unless it is unsafe), your custody agreement should foster and preserve your parent/child relationship. It may also ease your mind to know that you can request a modification of your custody orders when they do not preserve your child’s best interests.
