Child custody issues often come up when you are getting a divorce. Many times, the negotiation phase can be fraught with emotions and can be upsetting. You want what is best for your child and so does the court system in Texas. Sometimes, the law can work in your favor if you are trying to get custody of your minor child.
The Texas Family Code is very specific about custody issues. Section 152 deals with child custody and states that any decision made by the court of law in Texas regarding this issue binds all persons who are interested in obtaining custody. It also states that everyone will have a chance to tell their side of the story.
Because divorce is so prolific in Texas, the judge presiding over your case may not have the time to get to know you. However, he or she has probably dealt with your attorney and will hear from you through them. For this reason, you need to choose wisely.
The law further states that any question of jurisdiction that is raised in a child custody proceeding must be given priority and needs to be handled as quickly as possible. This will enable everyone to avoid needless court appearances.
If you live outside the state of Texas you will receive notice in plenty of time to attend any hearing. If the authorities cannot locate you, they have the right to give notice in a publication that is near your last known address. If your last known address was outside the state of Texas, the authorities have the right to either follow the laws of Texas or the laws of the state your last address was in.
Being aware of the laws of notification in Texas is just part of the Texas Family Code. Knowing all the ins and outs of this code is what a knowledgeable attorney does best.
Source: Texas Family Code, “Chapter 152,” accessed Aug. 10, 2015