Joint joint custody of children when the parents no longer live together is an important concept to understand to use it effectively. This post provides an overview of joint physical custody In Texas.
Physical custody is the right and obligation of a parent to provide a home for his or her child and to make the day-to-day decisions required during the time the child is actually with the custodial parent. Joint physical custody implies that each parent will have a significant amount of contact with a child. Joint custody may not necessarily be a 50 percent split of time, but close enough to it. Joint physical custody its often encouraged as an alternative to a dual-family household.
Components of a Joint Physical Custody Arrangement
In joint physical custody, the child may reside with either parent:
- Every other weekend
- One to three days during the week
- Full summer vacations or an entire school year
Factors Considered in Awarding Joint Physical Custody
- Communication between parents in raising children (i.e. the ability to handle disputes and the ability to cooperate with each other.)
- The best interests of the child
- Incidents of domestic violence between the parents
Benefits of Joint Physical Custody
- The child resides with and has meaningful contact with both parents
- No need for a visitation schedule
Difficulties of Joint Physical Custody
- Joint custody may cause confusion or upset the balance of a child’s life due to the constant changing of a child’s physical environment
- It might be difficult to work with other adults when a single parent becomes more comfortable on his/her own (i.e. a parent might remarry or might make new friends.)
Relocation in Joint Physical Custody Situations
A parent who would like to relocate must prove that the relocation is in the best interest of the child. A court will be reluctant to upset the balance of a joint physical custody arrangement since a child will have relied on the balance between two homes, close in proximity.
A court may modify an order of joint physical custody. However, a court will use the “best interest of the child” standard to determine which parent should be granted primary physical custody for the future.
Joint joint custody of children when the parents no longer live together is an important concept to understand to use it effectively. This post provides an overview of joint physical custody In Texas. If you still have questions, concerns or you need more information, call us. No charge for the initial consultation.
