San Marcos High Conflict Child Custody Lawyer

San Marcos High Conflict Child Custody Attorney

No one enters a marriage knowing that one day that marriage will end in divorce, yet these situations happen every day across Texas. No matter how amicable you and your spouse might start off, divorce proceedings can quickly pit individuals against each other and cause mounting levels of emotional pain and stress. When children are added into the mix, this stress only increases, and a San Marcos high conflict child custody lawyer can prove to be essential.

At Vaught Law Firm, P.C., we have over 40 years of experience when it comes to helping families in and around the San Marcos area. Our passionate family lawyers ensure you and your loved ones are protected and cared for and that the courts rule in the best interests of any minor children that may be involved. The unfortunate reality is that custody issues can oftentimes bring out the worst in individuals, and when conflict arises, it can be difficult to handle.

Common Causes of High Conflict Custody in San Marcos, Texas

In Texas, the current divorce rate is 1.4 for every 1000 residents. Many of these cases involve minor children, and when they do, you and your spouse will need to reach an agreement regarding the custody of your children. No matter the circumstances or relationships involved, custody proceedings can become tense, and conflict can arise easily. In Texas, parents share the duties of providing for their children unless ordered otherwise by the courts in a custody case.

However, there are some common causes for high conflict in a custody case, some of which can be traumatic or dangerous. These common causes include:

• A history of violence: In custody cases where either parent has a history of violence or abuse, whether it is toward members of their family or individuals outside their household, this could lead to a high conflict custody case between the two parents, as one parent might fear for the safety of their children when they are in the other parent’s care.
• A history of alcohol or drug use: If there is a history of drug or alcohol abuse, this might suggest that the risks to the children’s safety while with this parent are too great, and being in this parent’s care would not be in the best interest of the children. This could turn a custody case into one of high conflict. In 2021 alone, 81,000 children were removed from their homes because of substance abuse concerns regarding their parents.
• Allegations that home is not safe: In some cases, the safety of a parent’s home might not be about the behavior of the parent but rather about the location or activities taking place around the child. If either of these is deemed unfit, the custody case could face high areas of conflict and tension.
• Allegations of alienation: In some cases, a parent may try to get their children to side with them and turn against the other parent. This is considered alienation, and it is not only harmful to the child but can also complicate a custody case. Additionally, if there are false allegations of alienation, this can likewise harm your case for child custody.
• Personality disorders or mental illness: If a parent begins to showcase symptoms of mental illnesses or personality disorders, like narcissistic personality disorder, this might suggest that the parent is not safe and, therefore, should not be awarded certain forms of custody. This can lead to tensions and conflict between the divorcing or separating parties.
• Military divorces: Men and women who serve in the United States military are faced with a wide range of demands. These demands can cause difficult issues regarding where the children will reside, which can add further conflict to the custody case as a whole.
• Issues with distance: In order to maintain a close and healthy relationship with both parents, Texas prefers that parents live close enough to one another to help their children maintain these relationships. However, if one parent moves a substantial distance away from the other, this can lead to serious conflict.
• Issues with extended family: When members of a parent’s family, such as grandparents, try to present a claim for custody, this can complicate an already complex situation and result in very difficult spheres of conflict.

FAQs About San Marcos, TX High Conflict Child Custody Laws

Q: How Much Does a Child Custody Lawyer Cost in Texas?

A: It can be difficult to offer an exact amount of what it might cost to hire a San Marcos child custody lawyer in Texas. This is due to the fact that every case and attorney is different. However, there are several variables involved in these cases which can impact the cost of an attorney. These variables include the complexity and duration of a case and the skill level of your lawyer.

Q: How to Resolve a High-Conflict Custody Case?

A: There are several ways to resolve a high-conflict custody case in San Marcos, Texas. First, it is important for you and your co-parent to meet on neutral ground to discuss your case. This can include places where your children are not or where a neutral third party can assist in your discussion. You will also want to set realistic expectations, especially when it comes to acknowledging that you and your co-parent will likely share some form of custody.

Q: How Long Can a High-Conflict Custody Case Take?

A: High-conflict custody cases are, by their nature, more complicated and can, therefore, take a longer amount of time to settle or reach a resolution. Depending on the nature of your high-conflict custody case, certain variables can impact the overall timeline, including your and your co-parent’s ability to communicate and the availability of the family courts.

Q: What Not to Do During a Custody Battle?

A: During a custody battle, there are several actions you will want to avoid taking, such as refusing your co-parent their visitation time with your children, involving your children in fights, speaking negatively about your co-parent to them or in front of them, posting about your custody battle on social media, and not hiring an attorney to assist you.

Achieve a Favorable Custody Outcome in the Face of Conflict with Vaught Law Firm, P.C.

Seeking custody of your child in San Marcos can be a very complicated and challenging legal process, depending on the circumstances involved in the case. That is why having an experienced San Marcos High Conflict Child Custody Lawyer on your side is vital. If you are facing a high conflict custody case, contact the team at Vaught Law Firm, P.C. today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our family law services.