It is a common, but incorrect, belief that in a divorce, the mother will prevail and have child custody issues decided predominantly in her favor. Under Texas law, all judicial decisions regarding child custody must be decided in the best interests of the children involved. The gender of a parent is rarely relevant to this consideration.
In many cases, living primarily with the father is found to be in the best interests of the child. This is especially true if there is any factor suggesting that the mother could be potentially harmful to the children or is a less fit parent than the father. Fathers are frequently apprehensive at the outset of child custody proceedings out of concern that courts may be biased against them. While on a subtle level, some judges may have a slight bias in favor of the mother, outright discrimination is verboten. It is still prudent for a father entering child custody proceedings, incident to divorce or otherwise, to be represented by an attorney who is experienced in protecting the rights of fathers.
How Are Child Custody Decisions Made at the Judicial Level in Texas?
Many child custody disputes are not decided by a judge at all, but by the parents using collaborative family law techniques such as mediation. This is the preferred route by many parents; however, in some cases it is necessary to bring the case before a judge so that the court can make decisions when the parents are unable to agree on a reasonable division of decision-making powers and physical custody schedule.
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