Four Tips to Prove that You Can Provide the Best Environment for Your Child

Texas is a best interests of the child state for custody and visitation cases (Texas Family Code, Section 153.002). As a parent involved in any type of custody case, you will want to prove that you can provide the best environment for your child. Here, our Houston child custody attorney offers four tips that you can use to prove that you can provide the best possible environment for your child.

Tip #1: Demonstrate a Stable Environment 

Stability is one of the most important factors Texas courts consider when deciding custody. A child thrives in a consistent home where routines are predictable, school attendance is reliable, and financial needs are met. You can show stability by maintaining steady housing, a regular work schedule, and clear household rules. For instance, if you have lived in the same Houston neighborhood for years and your child attends the same school with good attendance, that demonstrates stability. Though, that is just one example. Stability can be shown in many ways.

Tip #2: Put Your Child’s Health and Well-Being First

Your child(ren) should be centered. Your child’s health (physical and emotional) must always come first. Courts look closely at whether parents are willing and able to put a priority on things like medical appointments, proper nutrition, and mental health support. You can demonstrate this by making sure that your child attends doctor visits, gets counseling if needed, and has access to healthy meals. For example, a parent who consistently takes a child with asthma to the doctor, provides medication on schedule, and communicates with the school nurse shows a strong commitment to health. 

Tip #3: Cooperate With Your Co-Parent 

The ability to work respectfully with your co-parent shows that you are willing to put your child’s needs above personal conflict. Texas courts often view cooperation as evidence that you can provide a healthier environment. Among other things, you should share  information, be flexible when emergencies arise, and avoid negative comments about the other parent in front of your child. For example, if your co-parent is delayed picking up your child due to traffic, something simple like making a voluntary adjustment to the schedule for them without a big fight can be great evidence of cooperation.

Tip #4: Be Involved With Your Kid’s Life

Active parental involvement is a key sign that you can provide the best environment. Children benefit when parents take interest in their schooling, activities, and friendships. You can prove involvement by attending parent-teacher conferences, showing up at extracurricular events, and supporting your child’s hobbies. For example, regularly helping with homework, cheering at soccer games, and celebrating birthdays all highlight meaningful engagement. 

Call Our Houston Child Custody Attorney Today

At Lindamood & Robinson, P.C., our Houston child custody attorney has the knowledge, skills, and experience that you can rely on when it matters most. If you are preparing to prove that you can provide the best environment for your child, please contact us today for a confidential case review. With an office in Houston, we handle custody and visitation cases across the region.

Source:

statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.153.htm#:~:text=1%2C%201999.-,Sec.,and%20access%20to%20the%20child.