If you’re contemplating filing a child custody case in Texas, it’s crucial to be aware of behaviors to avoid during your case. There may be a situation in your home or in your ex-spouse’s residence that has prompted you to seek court intervention. While individuals may respond differently in such circumstances, several situations could be relevant to you. One critical aspect to consider is the laws against bad-mouthing the other parent, which can have significant repercussions on your case. With that in mind, let’s delve into some advice to navigate your child custody case effectively.
Do Not Stop Co-Parenting
Co-parenting is a word utilized with a great deal of frequency in our world today.
In the modern era, the traditional 1950s nuclear family is less common, making way for blended families. This change has redefined parenting dynamics, often previously seen as non-traditional.
Learning to co-parent with a former partner is challenging. Parents who master this skill and commit to co-parenting responsibilities often fare better in custody cases.
Why? Courts typically favor parents who co-parent or at least try to. This is because judges deal daily with cases where co-parenting fails or is absent. Seeing parents who successfully co-parent is refreshing.
You don’t have to be perfect. Demonstrating a solid co-parenting history can significantly benefit your case.
Bad Mouthing the Other Parent
As a family law attorney in Texas, I’ve seen parents struggle with negative feelings towards their child’s other parent. This issue is critical, as your views and words about the other parent significantly impact your child. Regardless of whether you identify as a parent, a professional, or by your faith, it’s improbable that you’d opt to be perceived as someone who speaks ill of your child’s other parent.
Consider the frequency of negative remarks you make about them. Such behavior affects your child’s perception and relationship with both parents. It’s challenging to curb this habit, but necessary for your child’s wellbeing.
Regular negative comments, especially in front of your child, may lead them to mimic this behavior. Your goal should be to support your child in building strong relationships with both parents, regardless of your personal feelings.
Continuously speaking ill of the other parent can harm your child’s relationship with them and may not receive favorable consideration from the court. In the long term, it could lead to your child needing therapy to develop a healthier perspective of both parents.
Failing to Control Yourself Emotionally
A judge must act in your child’s best interest when making decisions in your child custody case. While they cannot follow you home and see how you behave away from the courthouse, it is possible to make a good impression on the judge by showing a little self-restraint.
How can you do this in the limited time you will be in the courtroom? Treating the other party and their attorney with respect is at the top of that list.
If your case involves social workers, court-appointed witnesses, or people like this, how you respond to questions and requests can go a long way toward proving to a judge that you have the emotional stability to have an increased role in your life child.
The other central area where you can show the judge you are emotionally stable and mature is when you are on the witness stand testifying. It is easy to get concerned and frustrated in a trial or temporary orders hearing. Taking it out on the opposing party is not advisable. Maintaining civility and politeness can significantly enhance your case, regardless of the circumstances or the progress of your hearing.
Questions about how to avoid these mistakes in your child custody case? Contact the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC
If you have any questions about these topics, please do not hesitate to contact the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, today. One of our licensed family law attorneys is standing by to take your call and discuss your situation. A free-of-charge consultation where your questions can be answered is only a phone call away.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in Texas, consistently badmouthing the other parent can be considered detrimental to the child’s best interests, potentially leading to custody issues.
Badmouthing the other parent includes making negative or false statements about them, attempting to damage their reputation, or undermining their relationship with the child.
Parental alienation in Texas refers to actions that intentionally harm or disrupt the child’s relationship with one parent, often involving manipulation, coercion, or false accusations.
No, parental alienation is not a specific crime in Texas, but it can have serious legal consequences in child custody disputes.
Rule 11 in Texas family law refers to agreements between the parties and their attorneys. It covers various aspects of the case, including settlements and court-ordered agreements.
Parents can lose custody in Texas due to factors such as neglect, abuse, substance abuse, or actions that harm the child’s well-being or safety.
Parent shaming can involve ridiculing or embarrassing a child for their perceived shortcomings or making them feel guilty or unworthy.
Narcissistic parental alienation occurs when a parent with narcissistic traits manipulates and alienates the child from the other parent, often using emotional manipulation and control.
Malicious parenting syndrome refers to a pattern of malicious or harmful behavior by one parent towards the other, often negatively affecting the child’s relationship with the targeted parent.
Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC | Houston, Texas Child Custody Lawyers
The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, routinely handles matters that affect children and families. If you have questions regarding child custody, it’s essential to speak with one of our Houston, TX, child custody lawyers right away to protect your rights.
Our child custody lawyers in Houston, TX, are skilled at listening to your goals during this trying process and developing a strategy to meet those goals. Contact the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC by calling (281) 810-9760 or submit your contact information in our online form.
Bryan Fagan, a native of Atascocita, Texas, is a dedicated family law attorney inspired by John Grisham’s “The Pelican Brief.” He is the first lawyer in his family, which includes two adopted brothers. Bryan’s commitment to family is personal and professional; he cared for his grandmother with Alzheimer’s while completing his degree and attended the South Texas College of Law at night.
Married with three children, Bryan’s personal experiences enrich his understanding of family dynamics, which is central to his legal practice. He specializes in family law, offering innovative and efficient legal services. A certified member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, Bryan is part of an elite group of legal professionals committed to ongoing education and high-level expertise.
His legal practice covers divorce, custody disputes, property disputes, adoption, paternity, and mediation. Bryan is also experienced in drafting marital property agreements. He leads a team dedicated to complex family law cases and protecting families from false CPS allegations.
Based in Houston, Bryan is active in the Houston Family Law Sector of the Houston Bar Association and various family law groups in Texas. His deep understanding of family values and his professional dedication make him a compassionate advocate for families navigating Texas family law.
